Sen. Sollie Norwood

Maddy summarySB 2348, the "Responsible Firearm Purchasing Act," prohibits minors (under 18) from purchasing or possessing firearms, handguns, ammunition, or armor-piercing ammunition. It also bans sellers from selling these items to minors. Violations by minors carry misdemeanor penalties (up to $200 fine or 30 days in jail), while adults selling to minors face felony charges (up to $2,000 fine or two years in prison). The bill requires all firearm purchases to comply with federal and state standards and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2349 creates a nine-member study committee to examine police pursuit practices, including their societal impact, risks versus benefits, safe speed limits, and which crimes justify chases. The committee, composed of legislative leaders, law enforcement officials, and appointed members, must file a report with the legislature by December 1, 2024. This bill does not change current laws or impose new requirements; it solely authorizes a study. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, meaning no further action was taken.

Maddy summarySB 2448 allows Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) retirees who become state legislators to receive both their retirement allowance and legislative salary. It specifically applies to retirees elected to office after retirement or sitting legislators who become eligible for retirement benefits. The bill requires these individuals to pay full employee retirement contributions on their legislative salary but prevents them from earning additional retirement credit for their legislative service. This changes current rules that forced retirees to forfeit retirement payments upon taking legislative office.

Maddy summaryThe Mississippi Senate passed Resolution SR 17 to formally recognize Jane Crater Hiatt as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's "Stephen C. Edds" Patron of the Arts Award. This resolution honors her decades-long contributions to Mississippi's arts community through leadership roles, including directing the Mississippi Arts Commission and establishing the Jane Crater Hiatt Artist Fellowship, which provides $20,000 grants to support Mississippi artists' career development. The resolution highlights her advocacy for arts education, diversity in arts programming, and ongoing philanthropy that has strengthened cultural opportunities statewide.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band from Coldwater, Mississippi, as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Traditional Arts. It honors their 90-year preservation of Mississippi's fife and drum musical tradition - rooted in African American cultural history - and their community work educating youth through performances and recordings like their 2023 album *Evolution of Fife and Drum*. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or direct effects on constituents or government operations. It serves as a symbolic tribute to the band's cultural contributions, as adopted by the Mississippi Senate on January 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 15) formally recognizes Jackson, Mississippi musician Eddie Cotton, Jr., as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Music. It acknowledges his career as a Gospel-blues artist, his Mississippi roots, and his national and international performances. The resolution serves solely as a ceremonial tribute from the Mississippi Senate, with no new policies or funding attached. It honors Cotton's contributions to music and Mississippi's cultural heritage through official Senate recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 16) formally recognizes Robert Poore, a Mississippi landscape architect with a 36-year career, as the recipient of the 2025 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Visual Arts and Landscape Architecture. It honors his work designing notable projects like the Crosby Arboretum and Mississippi Art Garden, as well as his contributions to landscape architecture in Mississippi. The resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute from the Mississippi Senate to Poore's professional achievements and community impact.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 18), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes filmmaker Tate Taylor of Natchez, Mississippi, as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Motion Picture. The resolution commends Taylor for his film work (including *The Help* and *Get On Up*), his economic impact on Mississippi through filming locations and job creation, and his community contributions like restoring historic sites and supporting local businesses. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply offers official Senate recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 24) is a ceremonial commendation honoring Dr. Steven Reed, a Vicksburg optometrist, for becoming the first Mississippian elected to lead the American Optometric Association (AOA). It recognizes his leadership role, 30-year career in eye care, community service, and previous presidency of the Mississippi Optometric Association. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative praise and will be presented to Dr. Reed, the AOA, and Mississippi Optometric Association.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1) is a ceremonial tribute to honor the 1975 Callaway High School football team's 50th anniversary of their state championship victory. It commends the team for their perfect 12-0 season, integration efforts, and community impact, specifically recognizing their role in racial reconciliation. The resolution directs the Senate to present this recognition to Callaway High School's current head coach and principal, as well as the Jackson Public School District. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally celebrates historical achievement.