Sen. Walter Michel

Maddy summarySB 2416 extends the deadline for developing and implementing Mississippi's Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program within the Department of Insurance. The bill modifies Section 83-1-191 to delay the repealer date, allowing more time to establish the program. This affects state program development and indirectly impacts homeowners and businesses through potential future wind mitigation inspections and insurance discounts. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2384 would require Mississippi gaming businesses to withhold a portion of a person's gambling winnings if they owe overdue child support payments. The Mississippi Gaming Commission and Department of Human Services would create rules for this process, and gaming businesses could charge an administrative fee on the withheld winnings. This policy would directly affect individuals with unpaid child support debt by using their gambling winnings to help cover the obligation.

Maddy summarySB 2410 revises Mississippi's definition of "modular homes" in the Uniform Standards Code for Factory-Built Homes Law to distinguish them from manufactured homes. The bill requires modular homes to be certified by manufacturers as meeting the state's current residential building code and installed on approved foundations, while explicitly excluding homes covered under the federal 1974 manufactured housing standards. This directly affects manufacturers, contractors, and buyers of modular homes, as they must now comply with these updated certification and installation standards. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors Mississippi broadcaster and storyteller Walt Grayson as the recipient of the 2025 Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. It recognizes his decades-long career in Mississippi media, including hosting "Mississippi Roads" on MPB, writing books about the state, and his deep connection to Mississippi culture. As a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), it has no policy impact but serves to publicly acknowledge Grayson's contributions to the state's arts and storytelling traditions. The Senate resolution was adopted without amendment on January 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe Mississippi Senate passed Resolution SR 17 to formally recognize Jane Crater Hiatt as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's "Stephen C. Edds" Patron of the Arts Award. This resolution honors her decades-long contributions to Mississippi's arts community through leadership roles, including directing the Mississippi Arts Commission and establishing the Jane Crater Hiatt Artist Fellowship, which provides $20,000 grants to support Mississippi artists' career development. The resolution highlights her advocacy for arts education, diversity in arts programming, and ongoing philanthropy that has strengthened cultural opportunities statewide.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 18), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes filmmaker Tate Taylor of Natchez, Mississippi, as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Motion Picture. The resolution commends Taylor for his film work (including *The Help* and *Get On Up*), his economic impact on Mississippi through filming locations and job creation, and his community contributions like restoring historic sites and supporting local businesses. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply offers official Senate recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses and salaries for the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board and the Mississippi State Veterans Homes for the 2025 fiscal year. It authorizes specific staffing levels for both entities and includes strict rules to prevent using general funds to replace federal or special source money, while also ensuring no employee salaries fall below state minimums. Additionally, the legislation provides $250,000 to assist indigent or low-income veterans and eligible surviving spouses with care costs and grants the Board limited authority to transfer up to 25% of its budget between the Board and the Homes to manage cash reserves more efficiently.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $14.2 million in state funds to cover the salaries and operating expenses of the Mississippi Department of Audit for the 2025 fiscal year. The legislation authorizes the department to maintain a permanent workforce of 156 employees and establishes strict rules to prevent salary increases for current staff unless new positions are added. It also sets specific performance targets for audits, investigations, and technical assistance services, while requiring the department to prioritize purchasing from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind. Additionally, the bill allocates $30,000 for employee training and provides up to $1 million specifically for non-budgeted law enforcement activities related to federal equitable sharing programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Department of Revenue for the fiscal year 2025. The money will support various divisions, including those handling tax exemptions, vehicle registration, alcohol distribution, and tax enforcement, while also reimbursing local governments for tax losses related to home exemptions. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the hiring of 668 permanent employees and sets strict rules on how salary funds can be used, ensuring they are allocated to new hires rather than raises for current staff. The bill also establishes specific performance targets for the department, such as limits on the cost per tax audit and goals for issuing permits for alcohol and medical cannabis.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $38.7 million from state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Secretary of State's office for the 2025 fiscal year. The funding supports a specific workforce of 96 permanent and 12 temporary positions while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current employees and requiring written approval for any pay escalations. Additionally, the legislation sets performance targets for elections, business services, and public lands management, and allocates specific amounts for litigation costs, voter system bonds, and land records maintenance.