Sen. Walter Michel

Maddy summarySB 3095 reduces Mississippi's individual income tax rate for income above $10,000 to 3.75% starting in 2027, gradually decreasing to 2.99% by 2030. It increases the sales tax on groceries (not purchased with food stamps) to 5% starting July 2025 and raises the fuel excise tax from 21¢ to 27¢ per gallon over 2025-2027. The bill also adjusts how revenue from fuel and sales taxes is distributed, directing more funds to infrastructure projects in municipalities and counties. These changes directly affect higher-income earners, grocery shoppers, and drivers purchasing gasoline.

Maddy summarySB 3044 appropriates $6,039,432 for the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission's operations and $25,000 for the Second Injury Fund during fiscal year 2026, directly affecting the Commission's staff and budget. The bill authorizes 54 permanent positions and strictly limits personnel spending to avoid salary increases without new funds, requiring compliance with performance targets like resolving 900 cases within three months. It mandates detailed financial reporting, prioritizes contracts with Mississippi Industries for the Blind, and requires the Commission to implement a safety training program. The legislation ensures funds are used solely for authorized purposes without replacing federal or special funds.

Maddy summarySB 3045 appropriates $6,648,733 for the Mississippi State Treasurer's Office operations during fiscal year 2026, authorizing 37 permanent positions. It also allocates $35 million for the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program and $150,000 to the Education Improvement Trust Fund. The bill strictly prohibits using state funds to replace federal funds, requires strict adherence to budgeted personnel costs (with no salary increases for current employees without new funding), and bans nepotistic hiring with penalties for violations. All funds must be accounted for with detailed records matching 2025 reporting standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $422 million from the State General Fund to pay banks for handling state bond payments and to cover maturing state bonds and interest due during fiscal year 2026. It allocates $17.75 million specifically for "full faith and credit" state bonds and $34.54 million for revenue bonds falling due between July 2025 and June 2026. The funds will be paid from the State Treasury using designated accounts, including special source funds and bond interest earnings. The bill is effective July 1, 2025, and expires June 30, 2025 (though this date appears to be a typo in the bill text).

Maddy summarySB 3036 is a funding bill that allocates $9,130,593 from the general fund and $1,607,810 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It authorizes 119 permanent staff positions and specifies how funds must be spent, including $75,000 for the Mississippi Council on Compulsive Gambling and restrictions on using funds for employee salary increases beyond approved budgets. The bill also requires the Commission to use specific portions of seized property and gaming control fees for law enforcement and investigations, while mandating detailed financial reporting to the legislature. This is a procedural budget measure with no new policy provisions, directly affecting the Gaming Commission’s operations and the nonprofit support organization.

Maddy summarySB 3043 appropriates $666,684 from the State General Fund to cover the Board of Tax Appeals' expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill authorizes six permanent staff positions and strictly limits personnel spending to prevent salary increases for current employees, requiring funds to fill vacancies instead. It mandates detailed accounting records and compliance with existing laws on budgeting and spending limits (Mississippi Code §27-104-25). The bill focuses solely on funding the Board’s operations without altering tax policies or creating new programs.

Maddy summarySB 3042 provides $16.9 million in general funds and $16.7 million in special funds to support the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It authorizes 95 permanent and 11 time-limited staff positions, mandates strict spending limits on salaries (no increases for current employees), and requires the office to meet specific performance targets like answering 95% of customer calls and updating 6,400 voter registrations online. The bill also restricts funds to approved duties under state law, prohibits using general funds to replace withdrawn special funds, and allocates $500,000 for county voting system bonds. It directly affects the Secretary of State’s office operations, staffing, and accountability for fiscal year 2026 expenditures.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 125) formally recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Mississippi State Fire Academy. It honors the Academy's history since 1974, its role in training firefighters and emergency responders, and its contributions to public safety across Mississippi. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment presented to the Academy's leadership.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 119) is a ceremonial expression of condolence from the Mississippi Senate mourning the passing of Jackson Police Department Corporal Christopher Gallion, Sr., who died from a medical emergency while on duty on March 13, 2025. It honors his 17-year service, leadership, and community impact as described by his department and Chief Joseph Wade. The resolution extends condolences to his family and formally recognizes his legacy, but it contains no policy changes or direct effects on any individuals or laws. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely to acknowledge his service and loss.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Ridgeland High School's boys basketball team and coach Terron McIntyre for winning their first MHSAA Class 6A championship on March 1, 2025, defeating Olive Branch 79-53. It formally recognizes their 30-4 season record, the team's dedication to overcoming last year's championship loss, and key players like Phil Nelson (26 points). As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect and solely expresses official praise for the team, school, and community. The Senate adopted it on March 25, 2025, to honor the achievement.