Sen. Hillman Frazier

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Carroll E. Rhodes for his lifetime of service to civil rights and constitutional principles in Mississippi. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official legislative commendation recognizing Rhodes' career in legal advocacy and his contributions to voting rights and democratic participation. The resolution expresses the Mississippi Legislature's gratitude and admiration for Rhodes' work and intends to present the document to him as a symbol of respect.

Maddy summarySB 3106 extends the current tax funding system for Jackson's Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and authorizes a new 1% tax on hotel/motel sales and a 0.5% tax on restaurant sales within Jackson. These new taxes would require a public election to approve before implementation, directly affecting hotels, motels, and restaurants in Jackson that meet specific revenue thresholds. The bill updates existing tax provisions (last amended in 2022) to continue funding the CVB, which promotes tourism and events in the city.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), expressing the Mississippi Legislature's condolences to Reverend Jesse Jackson's family following his death. It honors his legacy as a civil rights leader, including his work with the NAACP, voting rights advocacy, and mentorship of Black elected officials in Mississippi. The resolution contains no policy changes or mechanisms - it solely offers symbolic sympathy through formal language. It was introduced by multiple senators and references statements from figures like President Trump, Rep. Bennie Thompson, and Jackson Mayor John Horhn.

Maddy summarySB 2632 is a procedural bill that reorganizes existing sections of Mississippi's Emergency Management Law (Mississippi Code of 1972) by moving specific code sections (33-15-1 through 33-15-53) to new positions in the code. It does not change the content or policy of these sections, which cover definitions, purposes, and structure of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The bill’s sole purpose is to facilitate future amendments by updating the code’s numbering. This reorganization affects the legal code itself, not individuals or entities, and requires no action from the public or agencies.

Maddy summarySB 3064 allocates $137,774,071 in state funds to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), primarily for operational expenses. It specifically restricts $29,865,891 of these funds to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 425 authorized positions (379 permanent, 46 time-limited), with strict rules requiring the department to avoid exceeding budgeted personnel costs. The bill mandates that "Vacancy Funding" ($908,823) can only fill unfilled positions from the prior year - not fund raises or promotions - and requires State Personnel Board approval for any salary increases or position escalations. As a funding measure, it does not create new policies but sets procedural limits on how state funds may be spent for department staffing.

Maddy summarySB 3072 appropriates $704.7 million for Mississippi's Department of Mental Health for fiscal year 2027, combining $253.88 million from general funds and $450.85 million from special sources. Key allocations include $2.0 million for mental health training for law enforcement and court liaisons, $1.1 million for physician services at community centers, and $16.8 million for department operations and Medicaid payments. The bill specifies that funds must be used for "Personal Services" like salaries and cannot be diverted to other purposes, with strict limits on annual spending. It directly affects the Department of Mental Health and its ability to operate existing mental health programs and services.

Maddy summarySB 3158 extends the expiration date of a 2% sales tax on restaurants in Clinton, Mississippi, which was set to end in 2030. The tax applies to restaurants selling prepared food (excluding hospitals, schools, and similar facilities) and requires voter approval via election (60% support needed) before implementation. Revenue from the tax must be used exclusively for tourism promotion and parks/recreation projects, held in a separate city fund, and audited annually. This bill does not create a new tax but prolongs an existing local funding mechanism.

Maddy summarySB 3062 allocates $68.16 million in state funds to support the Mississippi Community College Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically covers administrative expenses, the Greenville Higher Education Center ($542,459), geospatial licenses ($37,626), and the Workforce Education Program ($50.83 million), with funds sourced from the General Fund, Education Enhancement Fund, and other dedicated accounts. The bill also directs $30 million for postsecondary career education operations and requires budget submissions for FY2028 following FY2027 standards. It prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement.

Maddy summarySB 3063 appropriates $233,257,625 for Mississippi's public community and junior colleges during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds, distributed based on student enrollment (using full-time equivalent counts), support college operations and include special weights for nursing and allied health programs. This funding directly affects all 15 participating community colleges, including Hinds, Meridian, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Colleges, with $80.8 million specifically drawn from the Education Enhancement Fund. The bill also authorizes $32.6 million for employee health/life insurance through the state plan.

Maddy summarySB 3328 extends the funding mechanism for Jackson's Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) by delaying its expiration date and authorizes an additional 1% tax on hotel/motel sales and 0.5% tax on restaurant sales within Jackson. These new taxes would fund the CVB but require a public election to approve their implementation. The bill specifically defines "hotel/motel" (excluding properties with ≤10 units) and "restaurant" (requiring ≥$100,000 annual sales) for tax purposes. It also updates the CVB's structure, requiring nine appointed members representing tourism sectors, business, arts, education, and attractions. The measure directly affects Jackson-based hotels, motels, and restaurants by potentially increasing their tax burden if voters approve the new rates.