Sen. Sollie Norwood

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally praises Jackson State University's "Sonic Boom of the South" marching band and its director, Dr. Roderick Little, for their performance at the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade. It specifically recognizes their role in showcasing Mississippi's musical heritage on a national stage during the January 1, 2025, parade. The resolution has no policy or financial impact - it is purely ceremonial, extending congratulations from the Mississippi Senate without altering laws or regulations. It was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 33) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) for its 75th anniversary. It formally recognizes MVSU's historical role in Mississippi higher education, including its founding in 1946 as a vocational college and its evolution into a university offering diverse academic programs. The resolution commends MVSU's contributions to the state and nation and extends congratulations to its students, faculty, and administration. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations but serves to publicly acknowledge the institution's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require personal care homes providing living arrangements for one or more unrelated residents to obtain state licenses and comply with health regulations enforced by Mississippi's State Department of Health. It directly affects operators of these homes (defined as facilities offering food, shelter, and personal care assistance, including bathing or feeding) that serve unrelated individuals, excluding those under specific U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs agreements. Key provisions mandate routine health and safety inspections to protect residents, replacing the current lack of standardized oversight for such facilities. The law would not apply to hospitals, large nursing homes, or homes exclusively serving veterans under VA agreements.

Maddy summarySB 2777 would require Mississippi courts to issue injunctions when a plaintiff proves a defendant violated a social media company's community standards through their online communications. It directly affects victims of cyberstalking, social media platforms hosting the content, and corporate sponsors of the defendant (if the court deems it necessary for justice). Key provisions mandate courts to consider criminal charges under Mississippi's cyberstalking law (Section 97-45-15) as evidence for violations, and a criminal conviction would automatically justify a permanent injunction. The bill, which died in committee on February 4, 2025, amends existing cyberstalking law to clarify that "harass" includes conduct a reasonable person would find seriously alarming.

Maddy summarySB 2619 would require Mississippi charter schools with a "D" or "F" accreditation rating for more than two consecutive years to have their charters revoked or not renewed. The bill directly affects public charter schools in Mississippi that consistently underperform under the state's school accreditation system. Key provisions mandate that authorizers (like school districts or state agencies) must revoke charters for such schools, with specific procedural safeguards including written notices, response opportunities, and public reporting. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2778 would authorize Mississippi's Department of Human Services to provide monthly payments to qualifying grandparents who assume primary care of their grandchildren, up to the foster care payment amount, without requiring legal custody or formal placement (if training requirements are met). It would also create a tax credit of up to $2,500 per grandchild per year for qualified care expenses like food, clothing, and housing, which can be carried forward for up to three years if not fully used. These provisions would directly affect Mississippi grandparents legally caring for grandchildren under state law and require specific legislative appropriations for the payments. The bill was introduced in 2025 but did not advance beyond committee.

Maddy summarySB 2617 is a procedural bill that reorganizes an existing Mississippi code section (37-28-55) related to charter school funding, moving it to a new location in the statutes for potential future amendment. It does not create new funding rules but clarifies how state payments to charter schools should be calculated and distributed based on student enrollment, including adjustments for enrollment projections and timing requirements for payments. The bill specifically details how the State Department of Education and local school districts must handle payments for resident and non-resident students, federal program funds, transportation, and classroom supplies. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summarySB 2646, the "Restoration of Voting Rights Act," would automatically restore voting rights to Mississippi residents convicted of certain crimes once they complete their sentence and remain crime- and arrest-free for two years. It directly affects people disqualified from voting under Mississippi's Constitution of 1890 for specific offenses, removing the need for separate legal action to regain suffrage. The bill amends state election law to clarify that such individuals are no longer disqualified upon meeting these conditions, allowing them to register and vote like other citizens. The legislation died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was never enacted, so it does not currently change voting rights in Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2772 allows Mississippi's Governor to restore voting rights to individuals convicted of certain disenfranchising crimes after they complete their full sentence (including probation or parole) and pay all court-imposed fines. The bill requires the Mississippi Department of Corrections or sentencing courts to automatically report eligible individuals to the Governor, who issues executive orders restoring voting rights. These orders must be accepted by election officials as proof of eligibility, and voter registration systems must be updated to reflect restored rights without requiring additional verification. The law directly affects formerly incarcerated people who meet the completion and payment conditions, streamlining their path to voting access.

Maddy summarySB 2707 would have exempted registered homeless service providers from specific fees when assisting homeless individuals. It directly affects homeless persons by waiving civil court filing fees for altering birth/marriage certificates and driver's license/ID application fees. The bill amended Mississippi Code sections to implement these exemptions for registered providers under a Continuum of Care Program. The legislation died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was never enacted.