Sen. Joseph Thomas

Co-sponsor SR 24

Passed · Mississippi Senate · Co-sponsor

Congratulate Dr. Steven Reed as first Mississippian elected to lead the American Optometric Association.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 24) is a ceremonial commendation honoring Dr. Steven Reed, a Vicksburg optometrist, for becoming the first Mississippian elected to lead the American Optometric Association (AOA). It recognizes his leadership role, 30-year career in eye care, community service, and previous presidency of the Mississippi Optometric Association. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative praise and will be presented to Dr. Reed, the AOA, and Mississippi Optometric Association.

Passed Jan 29, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SB 3229

died · Mississippi Senate · Co-sponsor

Suffrage; restore to Stanley Barnes.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to restore the right to vote to Stanley Barnes, a resident of Claiborne County who was previously disqualified from voting due to a 1990 murder conviction. The legislation notes that Barnes has been on unsupervised parole since 2000 and has since behaved as a law-abiding citizen. If passed, the act would officially reinstate his eligibility to cast ballots in elections. The bill did not advance beyond the committee stage and is not currently active.

died May 14, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SC 521

died · Mississippi Senate · Co-sponsor

Emmett Till murder; issue apology for state's role in killers' acquittals.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the Mississippi Legislature to officially apologize for the state's role in the 1955 murder of Emmett Till and the subsequent acquittal of his killers. The resolution expresses regret for the hostile environment in Mississippi that allowed the crime to occur and for the legal system's failure to hold the perpetrators accountable. It also calls for the state to remember Till's legacy and encourages the teaching of Civil Rights history to prevent future injustices. The text explicitly states that this symbolic gesture is not intended to serve as a basis for any legal lawsuits.

died May 14, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary SB 2015

died · Mississippi Senate · Lead sponsor

Suffrage; restore suffrage to Vedo Kyles.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to restore the right to vote to Vedo Kyles, a resident of Yazoo County, Mississippi. It specifically addresses his previous disqualification from voting, which resulted from convictions for possession of stolen goods and attempted armed robbery in 1995. The legislation states that Kyles has since been released from prison and has lived as a law-abiding citizen. If passed, the act would officially reinstate his eligibility to cast ballots in elections.

died May 14, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor SB 2487

Signed into law · Mississippi Senate · Co-sponsor

The Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund; bring forward provision related to.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide death benefits to Mississippi law enforcement officers and firefighters who die or suffer fatal injuries while performing official duties. It increases the base death benefit payment to $150,000 and allows for an additional $25,000 per child, with a maximum total payout of $250,000, while also authorizing up to $15,000 for funeral expenses. The legislation creates a separate fund for training and equipment grants, directing any money remaining in the death benefits trust after maintaining a $4 million minimum balance to support enhanced training or safety gear for covered individuals.

Signed into law May 13, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor SB 3165

Signed into law · Mississippi Senate · Co-sponsor

Appropriation; additional to MDOT-Surface Transportation Projects, ARPA funds.

Signed into law May 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor SC 540

Passed · Mississippi Senate · Co-sponsor

Recognize legacy of Rosie S. Simmons as the first African American since Reconstruction to serve as Bolivar County Circuit Clerk.

Passed May 2, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SR 116

Passed · Mississippi Senate · Co-sponsor

Congratulate former JSU star running back Lewis Tillman upon his induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

Passed Apr 26, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SR 117

Passed · Mississippi Senate · Co-sponsor

Mourn the passing of Jackson State Football Star and Mississippi Valley State Football Coach Archie "The Gunslinger" Cooley.

Passed Apr 26, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SB 2693

died · Mississippi Senate · Co-sponsor

Failing schools and districts of transformation; revise certain provisions related thereto.

died Apr 25, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track