Sen. Sollie Norwood

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding ceremonial resolution (SC 521) extending the Mississippi Legislature's congratulations to Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President Emeritus of Jackson State University (JSU) and the oldest living HBCU president. It formally recognizes his leadership as JSU's president from 1967-1984, his role in expanding the university's academic programs and infrastructure, and his status as a pioneering HBCU leader. The resolution celebrates his legacy, including founding JSU's ROTC program and his contributions to higher education during the civil rights era. It does not create any new policies or obligations - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for Dr. Peoples' service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Milton Williams, Jr. for receiving the Northern Region Special Agent Citation. It recognizes his law enforcement career and community leadership, including founding the nonprofit organizations Men United and Women United to support youth in the Mississippi Delta. The resolution also highlights his family legacy in law enforcement and his service as a mentor and public servant. This is a ceremonial document that does not create new laws or change policy.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Castro "Mr. Sipp" Coleman, a McComb, Mississippi-based gospel and blues artist, for his musical contributions. It formally honors his career as a Grammy-winning guitarist with the Williams Brothers, his 2025 Blues Music Awards B.B. King Entertainer of the Year win, and his role as a Mississippi music ambassador. The resolution does not create new laws or provide funding - it solely offers symbolic recognition of his achievements in blues and gospel music. It directly affects no individuals or policies, serving only to celebrate his cultural impact.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution honoring Katie Blount upon her retirement as Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH). It recognizes her 11-year leadership (2015-2026), including overseeing the opening of the Two Mississippi Museums (visited by over 744,000 people since 2017) and advancing inclusive storytelling and preservation efforts at historic sites. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the Senate’s gratitude for her service.

Maddy summarySB 2748 revises Mississippi's real estate licensing rules to clarify definitions and update procedures for brokers and salespersons. It defines a "brokerage agreement" as a written contract between brokers and clients, requires principal brokers to notify the commission of license transfers within three days after termination, and changes the deadline for handling client funds from "next banking day" to "two banking days." The bill also updates how renewal fee notices must be delivered via email to licensees and their brokers. These changes directly affect licensed real estate professionals and their clients by standardizing communication and timelines.

Maddy summarySB 2018 creates the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program, which reimburses actively drilling Mississippi National Guard members for their Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The program applies to members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select coverage who are not covered by another employer, with reimbursements paid at the current "Tricare Reserve Select - Member only" rate. The Adjutant General administers the program, requiring legislative funding each year and annual reports starting in 2026 to assess its impact on medical readiness and participation. This policy directly affects National Guard members by reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, aiming to support retention and readiness.

Maddy summarySB 2713 allows real estate agents to show residential properties (with 1-4 dwelling units) to potential homebuyers without requiring a written brokerage agreement first. It mandates that any agreement used must clearly state service terms and compensation, but does not require one for property tours. Written agreements remain necessary before agents list properties for sale, submit offers, or act on behalf of clients for compensation. The bill excludes certain transactions like foreclosures, family transfers, government sales, and properties without dwellings from these rules.

Maddy summarySB 2046, the "Mississippians' Right to Name, Likeness and Voice Act," grants every individual in Mississippi a legal right to control how their name, likeness, and voice are used, including by digital tools like AI-generated images or voice replicas. It requires written agreements with legal counsel for commercial use of these elements by individuals 18 or older, or court approval for minors, and allows rights to be inherited by family members for up to 10 years after death (with termination if unused for two years). The law explicitly states these rights are transferable and protects free speech in related lawsuits through a First Amendment defense. It directly affects all Mississippi residents and businesses using personal identifiers commercially, especially in digital contexts.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the minimum salary for Mississippi public school teachers and assistant teachers starting in the 2026-2027 school year, establishing specific pay scales based on experience and license type (e.g., $43,500 for entry-level teachers with certain licenses). It requires school districts to maintain or increase local supplements and not pay assistant teachers below the state minimum salary, with potential funding reductions for violations. Additionally, the bill mandates a $2,000 annual salary increase for all full-time faculty at Mississippi's state colleges and universities.

Maddy summarySB 2444 requires the Mississippi State Department of Health to conduct a study on preventing and reducing diabetes-related amputations. The study must evaluate amputation rates, associated state costs, evidence-based prevention practices (including early detection), access to limb-saving services, and public-private partnership opportunities. The Department must form a workgroup of experts and submit a final report with recommendations to the House Public Health Committee and Senate Public Health Committee by December 1, 2026. This bill directly affects the Department of Health’s responsibilities and the legislative committees receiving the study findings. It does not create new programs or funding but mandates a data-driven review of a significant health issue impacting Mississippi residents.