Sen. Walter Michel

Maddy summarySB 2703 requires insurers and vision benefit managers to clearly disclose covered eye care services and materials in insurance policies, directly affecting patients, eye care providers (like optometrists), and insurers. Key provisions mandate transparency about coverage, prohibit unilateral changes to provider contracts, ban the use of "extrapolation" (a specific auditing method), and allow providers to use any lab or supplier. The bill also prohibits coercive tactics by insurers and gives providers a legal right to sue if their rights are violated. Enforcement will be handled by Mississippi’s Commissioner of Insurance and Attorney General.

Maddy summarySB 2784 would have allowed telephone solicitors to contact Mississippi residents about Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans if the resident has an existing business relationship with the solicitor or previously requested a call. The bill specifically amended Mississippi Code §77-3-707(4) to permit these calls under those conditions, while maintaining other solicitation restrictions. It also corrected references in related sections (§77-3-709, §77-3-711) and removed a prohibition on Medicare supplement policy solicitations (§83-9-110). The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2883 extends Mississippi's authorization for special vehicle license tags supporting Wildlife Mississippi. The bill allows residents to pay a $30 annual fee to receive either a standard distinctive tag or a new black-background tag with white pinstripe border, "Mississippi" at the top, and "Wildlife Mississippi" at the bottom. Wildlife Mississippi must prove it will sell at least 100 tags and deposit funds before issuance, and 80% of the $30 fee ($24) goes directly to Wildlife Mississippi, with smaller portions funding the Burn Care Fund, Highway Fund, and another special fund. This program affects vehicle owners who choose to pay the additional fee to display support for Wildlife Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2916 would allow Mississippi grocery stores to sell wine in sealed, unopened containers for off-premises consumption, but not beer or alcohol for on-site drinking. It creates a new "grocery store wine-only retailer" permit, requiring stores to derive at least 50% of revenue from wine sales and prohibiting beer sales at these locations. The bill amends existing alcohol laws to define "grocery store," set license taxes, and clarify that wine sales must be in original sealed packages. This directly affects grocery stores seeking to expand alcohol offerings under new permit rules.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 2), not a policy bill. It formally commends and congratulates the 2025 Jackson Academy Raider Football Team and Head Coach David Duggan for winning the MAIS 4A Division 1 State Championship. The resolution describes their championship game victory, key players, and team achievements without creating any new laws or funding. As a purely symbolic gesture, it has no direct policy impact or effect on any individuals or programs beyond expressing official recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Mississippi Senate's support for the Beth Israel Congregation following an arson attack on their Jackson building on January 10, 2026. It condemns attacks on houses of worship as violations of religious freedom and references statements from Governor Reeves and Jackson Mayor Horhn condemning antisemitism and hate crimes. The resolution formally offers sympathy to the congregation and directs the Senate to transmit its support to the congregation's board and Mississippi's Public Safety Commissioner. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summarySB 2022 appropriates $4,319,483 from state special funds to the Mississippi State Board of Public Contractors for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It allocates $1.28 million specifically for salaries, wages, and benefits for 18 permanent staff positions, with strict limits to prevent exceeding budgeted amounts for personnel costs. An additional $2.3 million is designated for enforcement activities, collecting unpaid fines, and administrative costs related to contractor oversight. The bill also requires the Board to prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal in price, quality, and service.

Maddy summarySB 2019 appropriates $144,816 for the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists to cover its fiscal year 2026 operating expenses. The bill specifies that $103,219 of this amount must be used solely for employee salaries, wages, and benefits (designated as "Personal Services"), with strict limits to prevent exceeding the budget. It requires the board to follow state personnel rules, prohibits using these funds for employee raises or promotions, and mandates that vacancy funding (for unfilled positions) be used only to increase headcount. The bill ensures all expenditures comply with state budget laws and requires detailed financial reporting.

Maddy summarySB 2031 appropriates $9,586,041 from the state General Fund and $1,657,595 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically allocates these funds for the Commission’s "Personal Services" category, including salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for up to 119 authorized positions. It requires the Commission to adhere to state personnel budget rules, prohibits using general funds to replace federal or special funds, and directs portions of the special fund toward law enforcement resources and gaming investigations. This is a budgetary measure with no new policy provisions, solely funding existing Commission operations.

Maddy summarySB 2021 appropriates $753,471 for the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy to cover its fiscal year 2026 expenses (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It specifically allocates $479,746 for employee salaries, wages, and benefits (with strict limits on using these funds only for authorized headcounts and no salary reductions below state minimums) and $42,000 for investigations and hearings. The bill requires strict adherence to budget limits, prohibits using funds for non-authorized purposes (like promotions), and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement. This is a procedural funding bill affecting the Board’s operations and staffing, not a policy change.