Sen. Justin Pope

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 46) honoring the South Panola High School Junior Varsity Cheer Team for winning their first UCA National Cheer Championship at the 2026 competition in Orlando. It specifically recognizes their achievement as the first UCA National title in the school's history and lists the team members and coaches. The resolution has no policy changes or legal effect - it serves only to formally commend the team, coaches, and school community. It will be presented to the team and school officials but does not alter any laws or impact any stakeholders beyond this ceremonial recognition.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2493 requires every Mississippi public school to employ a licensed mental health counselor starting in the 2026-2027 school year, and mandates that all students meet with this counselor at least once annually. The bill directly affects all K-12 public school students and districts across Mississippi by adding this new mental health support requirement to existing school counseling services. If enacted, the law would create a new position for licensed mental health counselors in every school building, distinct from current school counselors, with the annual student meeting requirement taking effect in 2026. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2582, the "Robert G. Clark, Jr., Voting Rights Act of Mississippi," would establish statewide protections against voter suppression and vote dilution for Mississippi voters, particularly affecting protected classes defined as racial, ethnic, or language minority groups. Key provisions include creating the Mississippi Voting Rights Commission to review election changes (like district maps or voting locations) before implementation, requiring public notice of voting-related changes, and mandating accommodations for limited English proficient and disabled voters. The bill prohibits election policies that disproportionately harm protected class members or dilute their voting power, with enforcement through legal actions. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not advance to the full legislature.

Maddy summarySB 2744 clarifies and expands Mississippi's mental health treatment court program. It defines key terms like "mental health treatment court" and authorizes judges in circuit, county, or municipal courts to establish these courts within existing court structures. The bill revises eligibility requirements for participants and allows courts to impose sanctions or refer cases back to criminal court if participants fail to comply with treatment plans. This program directly affects defendants with mental health disorders who qualify for court-supervised treatment instead of traditional sentencing, using multidisciplinary teams focused on reducing recidivism through evidence-based practices.

Maddy summarySB 2772 creates an Independent Review Panel within Mississippi's Employee Appeals Board to handle grievances from Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) employees facing personnel actions like discipline or termination. The panel, composed of five members including a former MDOC employee, a neutral HR professional, and an attorney, must ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in these cases. It directly affects MDOC employees by providing a specialized review process for their employment disputes, with decisions appealable to the full Employee Appeals Board. The bill is procedural, establishing a new review mechanism rather than changing substantive employment policies. Note: The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.