Sen. Joseph Thomas

Maddy summarySB 2149 appropriates $383,000 from the state General Fund to Humphreys County for implementing a county-wide emergency 911 system during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds cover costs like purchasing additional sirens to improve emergency response capabilities. This bill directly affects Humphreys County residents by supporting infrastructure for faster emergency calls and alerts. It is a procedural funding measure with no new policy requirements, solely providing state financial support for the county’s existing system upgrade.

Maddy summarySB 2468 allocates $5.5 million from the state General Fund to the City of Gluckstadt for widening Gluckstadt Road between Bozeman Road and Interstate 55 during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill directly provides funding to the city to cover costs associated with this specific road improvement project. It does not create new policies or regulations but authorizes state funds for an existing infrastructure initiative. The appropriation is contingent on the city submitting proper requisitions, with payment handled through the State Treasurer.

Maddy summarySB 2861 increases Mississippi's income tax credit for private landowners who plant eligible trees (pine or hardwood) using approved reforestation methods like seedling planting, mixed-stand regeneration, or direct seeding. It raises the annual credit limit to $20,000 per taxpayer (with a lifetime cap of $125,000) for costs related to these practices on nonindustrial private lands. Landowners must follow a written reforestation plan verified by a certified forester and cannot claim the credit if they received state/federal cost-share funds for the same work (unless their income is below federal earned income levels). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, directly benefiting private forest landowners seeking tax savings for sustainable tree planting.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (not a bill) recognizing blues musician Jesse Robinson as the 2026 recipient of Mississippi's Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's recognition to Robinson, honoring his decades-long contributions to Mississippi's blues music heritage. The resolution describes his career milestones, including his role in Jackson's blues scene, collaborations with artists like Bobby Rush, and work promoting blues education. It will be presented to Robinson personally and shared with the press. (Note: This resolution has no legal effect - it is purely symbolic recognition.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 13), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes Master Chairmaker Greg Harkins of Thomastown, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Traditional Craft. The resolution celebrates his 50-year career creating heirloom furniture, his national/international recognition (including chairs gifted to six U.S. Presidents and Pope John Paul II), and his role as a cultural ambassador for Mississippi. As a purely symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 24) is a ceremonial recognition of Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native and winner of *American Idol* Season 23 (2025). It honors his performance of the national anthem at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, which the resolution states brought "honor to his home state and community." The resolution has no legal effect - it simply expresses the Senate’s pride in his cultural contributions as a soul/gospel singer and his representation of Mississippi. It does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 33), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends the Mississippi Forestry Commission for its 100th anniversary, recognizing its century of service in wildfire protection, forest management, and supporting Mississippi's forest-based economy. The resolution has no legal effect or direct impact on any individuals, landowners, or policies - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. The Senate will present it to the Commission and share it with state officials.

Maddy summarySB 2034, the "Restoration of the Right to Vote Act," automatically restores voting rights for Mississippi residents convicted of vote fraud or specific crimes listed in Section 241 of the 1890 Mississippi Constitution (or later interpreted disenfranchising crimes) once they complete all sentencing requirements. It directly affects individuals who were otherwise qualified voters but had their voting rights suspended due to these convictions. The bill amends election code sections to require automatic restoration of voting rights into the state voter database upon completion of sentencing, eliminating the need for separate applications or court petitions. This policy change applies to all such convictions without requiring additional action from the individual, while maintaining existing voter eligibility requirements like citizenship and residency.

Maddy summarySB 2060 allows Mississippi municipalities operating public utilities (such as water, electricity, or gas systems) to accept credit and debit card payments from customers. The bill requires utilities to cover any transaction fees associated with electronic payments themselves, rather than charging customers directly. These fees can then be included in the utility's regular rate base, meaning all customers indirectly pay for the service through their standard bills. This change modernizes payment options without increasing costs for individual customers.

Maddy summarySB 2389 would expand Mississippi Medicaid eligibility to include low-income adults who qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically those with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level who are currently excluded from Mississippi Medicaid. The bill amends state law to automatically include these individuals in Medicaid coverage and requires that they receive essential health benefits. This change would allow eligible adults to enroll directly in Medicaid instead of navigating the ACA marketplace. The bill died in committee in 2026 and did not become law.