Sen. Sollie Norwood

Maddy summaryThis is a concurrent resolution (not a bill with policy changes), adopted by the Mississippi legislature to honor the centennial birthdays of two Mississippi icons. It formally recognizes the legacies of blues musician B.B. King and civil rights leader Medgar Evers on what would have been their 100th birthdays. The resolution directs that it be presented to their surviving descendants, museums, and historical institutions, including the B.B. King Museum and Medgar Evers Home National Monument. As a symbolic gesture, it has no binding effect or direct impact on any laws or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to restore the right to vote to Edward Carter, Sr., a resident of Claiborne County, Mississippi, who had lost his voting rights due to a 1998 embezzlement conviction. The legislation states that Carter has served his sentence and has behaved as a law-abiding citizen since his release in 1999. If passed, the act would officially reinstate his eligibility to participate in elections. The bill has not yet become law as it died in committee in May 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the Mississippi Legislature to officially apologize for the state's role in the 1955 murder of Emmett Till and the subsequent acquittal of his killers. The resolution expresses regret for the hostile environment in Mississippi that allowed the crime to occur and for the legal system's failure to hold the perpetrators accountable. It also calls for the state to remember Till's legacy and encourages the teaching of Civil Rights history to prevent future injustices. The text explicitly states that this symbolic gesture is not intended to serve as a basis for any legal lawsuits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Mississippi Adequate Education Program by changing how the base cost of educating a student is calculated and how funds are distributed to school districts. It requires the base student cost to increase annually by 25% of the previous year's cost, adjusted for inflation, while also mandating that 90% of state contributions be spent on teacher salaries and classroom resources rather than administrative roles. The legislation sets specific rules for funding charter schools, requiring them to return prorated funds if students return to their home districts, and ensures that no district receives less state funding in 2025 than it did in 2024. Ultimately, the bill aims to standardize the formula used to determine the amount of money each school district receives to support its students.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $329,091 from the state treasury to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Services for the fiscal year 2025. The funding authorizes two permanent staff positions and establishes strict rules to ensure money is used only for hiring new employees rather than raising salaries or changing job titles for current workers. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the agency give purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when buying goods or services and requires detailed financial record-keeping. These provisions aim to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency while supporting the board's administrative functions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $143,189 from the state treasury to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists for fiscal year 2025. The funding authorizes one permanent staff position and includes strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases, promotions, or replacing federal money. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the board give purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when buying goods or services and requires detailed financial record-keeping.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $286 million in state funds to cover the expenses of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for the fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes the hiring of specific permanent and time-limited positions while establishing strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions of current employees. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department cannot issue speed limit citations based on quotas and sets specific performance targets for enforcement activities, driver services, and forensic analysis.