Sen. Kamesha Mumford

Maddy summarySB 2003 shortens the waiting period for retired Mississippi educators to return to teaching from 90 to 45 days. It removes requirements that retirees must have a minimum service history, teach only in districts with critical shortages, or work only in specific subject areas. The bill also sets a 65% cap on salary for returning retirees, adjusts pension liability payments, and allows school districts to cover health insurance premiums for these educators using local funds. These changes directly affect retired teachers seeking to return to classroom roles in Mississippi public schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the minimum salary for Mississippi public school teachers and assistant teachers starting in the 2026-2027 school year, establishing specific pay scales based on experience and license type (e.g., $43,500 for entry-level teachers with certain licenses). It requires school districts to maintain or increase local supplements and not pay assistant teachers below the state minimum salary, with potential funding reductions for violations. Additionally, the bill mandates a $2,000 annual salary increase for all full-time faculty at Mississippi's state colleges and universities.

Maddy summarySB 2480 directs the State Fiscal Officer to transfer $265 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Capacity Project Fund upon the bill's effective date. This transfer specifically funds transportation infrastructure projects (known as "capacity projects") included in the Mississippi Department of Transportation's Three-Year Plan, as defined under existing law. The bill amends Section 65-1-141.2 to clarify that unspent funds in the Capacity Project Fund do not lapse into the general state fund, and earnings from the fund remain within it. The bill does not create new policy but reallocates existing state funds for transportation project financing.

Maddy summarySB 2522 creates the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant Program, providing tuition-free access to community college certificate or associate degree programs for Mississippi residents pursuing training in high-demand fields. The program targets occupations identified by Accelerate Mississippi (the state's workforce office) as critical for economic growth, requiring colleges to offer support services like academic advising and career planning. Administered by the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, it will launch in phases starting with a 2027 pilot, covering tuition/fees after other aid, plus a $500 annual book stipend, for eligible residents meeting residency, education, and enrollment requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2819 increases penalties for illegally dumping solid waste in Mississippi. It raises fines for larger violations: amounts exceeding 15 pounds or 27 cubic feet become misdemeanor offenses ($500-$1,500 fines or up to 1 year in jail), while commercial dumping, hazardous waste, or over 500 pounds becomes a felony ($1,000-$75,000 fines or up to 5 years in prison). Convicted individuals must also cover cleanup costs, repair property damage, perform community service related to waste removal, and pay investigative expenses. This directly affects anyone illegally discarding solid waste, including individuals, businesses, and vessel operators.

Maddy summarySB 2679, the Mississippi Land Bank Act, allows cities and counties to create land banks that acquire, clean, and redevelop vacant or abandoned properties. These land banks can purchase properties (including tax-forfeited land), demolish unsafe structures, rehabilitate buildings, and sell properties to return them to productive use. The bill directly affects communities struggling with blighted properties, which currently cost local governments lost tax revenue and safety hazards. Key mechanisms include land banks operating with the flexibility of private property owners, accepting tax-forfeited properties from the state, and establishing financing structures for redevelopment. The law aims to address neighborhood deterioration and strengthen local economies by revitalizing underutilized land.

Maddy summarySB 2419 authorizes Mississippi's Office of Workforce Development to create and manage a childcare tuition assistance program for state employees. The bill directly affects state employees who need childcare, providing financial support to cover their children's childcare costs. Key provisions require the Office of Workforce Development to implement this program as part of its existing duties under workforce development law. The program aims to support state workers by reducing childcare expenses, aligning with broader workforce support initiatives. This is a concrete policy change focused on employee benefits, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summarySB 3335 appropriates $2 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to Hinds County for infrastructure improvements in the towns of Bolton, Edwards, and Brownsville during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds cover costs for infrastructure projects in these specific communities, directly benefiting residents and local services. The bill is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements, requiring state payment through standard fiscal procedures. It affects Hinds County and the three incorporated towns named in the bill.

Maddy summarySB 2939 appropriates $400,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to Hinds County for the construction of a community center and park in the unincorporated community of Pocahontas. The funds are designated for the 2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) to cover construction costs directly. The State Treasurer will disburse the funds upon proper requisitions from Hinds County, following standard state financial procedures. This bill provides targeted funding for a local infrastructure project without creating new regulations or policies.

Maddy summarySB 3141 appropriates $1,250,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the City of Jackson for road and infrastructure improvements specifically in Northwest Jackson during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds cover costs associated with repairing or upgrading roads and related infrastructure in that neighborhood. The bill directs the State Treasurer to disburse the funds upon proper requisitions from the city. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no additional policy provisions or requirements.