Sen. Sollie Norwood

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 summaryThis resolution formally apologizes to Emmett Till's family and the public for Mississippi's role in his 1955 murder and the acquittal of his killers. It acknowledges the state fostered a hostile environment that led to his death, referencing Carolyn Bryant's recent confession about her fabricated testimony. The apology expresses regret for Mississippi's part in denying Till constitutional protections and encourages teaching about this Civil Rights Movement history, with copies distributed to state officials and civil rights groups. It explicitly states the resolution is not for use in legal claims.

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 3051 allocates $86.8 million in state funds for Mississippi's Department of Finance and Administration to cover operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically sets $25.98 million for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits), requiring the department to stay within this budget when annualizing personnel costs and using vacancy funds *only* to fill open positions - not for raises or promotions. The bill mandates strict compliance with the State Personnel Board’s Variable Compensation Plan and prohibits exceeding the allocated funds without legislative approval for new positions or programs. This funding mechanism directly affects state employees and department budgeting practices, ensuring salary spending aligns with fiscal constraints.

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 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.

Maddy summarySB 2898 directs the State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer to transfer $20 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund upon the bill's effective date. This technical amendment reallocates existing state funds without creating new programs or changing eligibility for disaster assistance. The transfer affects state budget accounting by moving money between two designated funds (Fund No. 6499C00000 to Fund No. 3372500000) to support disaster response resources. The bill has no direct impact on citizens or businesses but modifies how state funds are allocated. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.