Sen. Sollie Norwood

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Mississippi county law libraries and courtrooms to use existing court fee funds for technology upgrades. Specifically, it authorizes boards of supervisors to spend collected fees (up to $2.50 per case in chancery/circuit courts) on electronic resources like computers, legal research tools, and courtroom technology such as audio systems, digital evidence displays, and video recording. It directly affects county law libraries and courtrooms by expanding how existing court fee revenue can be spent, without creating new taxes. The change applies to all counties maintaining law libraries and enables modernization of both library services and courtroom infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 2487 requires Mississippi schools to provide targeted reading support for students in grades 4-8 who struggle with reading proficiency. It mandates that schools create an Individual Reading Plan (IRP) within 30 days of identifying a reading deficiency, notify parents within 10 business days, and provide supplemental or intensive interventions based on the severity of the deficiency. The bill prohibits promoting students to ninth grade if their reading difficulties remain unaddressed by the end of eighth grade. It also establishes a state system to train educators - including literacy coaches, interventionists, and teachers - and ensures all required supports are grounded in evidence-based reading research.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits charter schools' right to purchase or lease closed public school buildings in their district to a 12-month window after closure. It requires school districts to wait six months before allowing other entities (like libraries, colleges, or community organizations) to bid on the property, unless charter schools have formally declined the opportunity. The bill also adds rules for school boards to approve alternative uses of repurposed property (e.g., community centers or cultural spaces) and mandates that sale or lease contracts include procedures for seeking such approvals. These changes directly affect charter schools, school districts, and potential new users of closed school facilities.

Maddy summarySB 2050 requires political campaigns in Mississippi to clearly disclose when advertisements use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate images, audio, or video content. It applies to any ad for candidates, committees, or ballot measures that uses AI to create visuals or audio, including social media ads and video content. The law mandates specific disclaimers: for audio ads, a 3-second spoken notice; for video, a 4-second on-screen text notice in readable size; and for text/graphic ads, a clear statement in prominent text. Exemptions include bona fide news broadcasts, but failure to disclose can result in civil penalties.

Maddy summarySB 3359 appropriates $2 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to Hinds County for fiscal year 2027. The funds are specifically designated to cover costs associated with acquiring, demolishing, or removing blighted properties in Supervisor Districts 3 and 5. This direct funding mechanism enables Hinds County to address deteriorated properties in those areas without requiring local taxpayer contributions. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2026, and is intended to support local efforts to revitalize affected neighborhoods.

Maddy summarySB 3358 allocates $800,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the City of Jackson for specific projects during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds are specifically designated to cover costs for two senior citizen centers: $400,000 for the West Side Senior Citizen Center and $400,000 for the Champion Senior Citizen Center. This is a straightforward funding appropriation with no policy changes, directly affecting Jackson's senior center operations and maintenance. The bill authorizes payment through standard state fiscal processes upon proper requisitions.

Maddy summarySB 3357 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to Jackson State University (JSU) for infrastructure costs within Mississippi's Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly affects JSU by funding specific infrastructure improvements in the CCID, a designated area near the state capitol in Jackson. It provides no new policy changes but allocates existing state funds for this defined purpose, with disbursement handled through the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. The funding becomes effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 3360 allocates $1 million from Mississippi's General Fund to the City of Jackson for infrastructure repairs and street light maintenance within Ward 5 during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds cover specific costs like road repairs, sidewalk fixes, and replacement/repair of street lights in that Ward 5 neighborhood. This is a direct funding appropriation with no new policy requirements or eligibility criteria beyond the specified geographic area.

Maddy summarySB 2845 would allow Mississippi taxpayers to claim an income tax credit of up to $25,000 annually for donations made to state institutions of higher learning (like public universities managed by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning). Unused portions of the credit could be carried forward for up to five years. This directly affects individual taxpayers who contribute to eligible public colleges and universities, reducing their state income tax liability. The credit applies to contributions made in 2026 or later, with the law taking effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2256 allows Mississippi county boards of supervisors to maintain, repair, and enlarge abandoned public or nonprofit cemeteries within county boundaries, including those located inside municipalities. The bill permits counties to use available county funds for these repairs and bill municipalities for reimbursement when cemeteries are within municipal limits. It also clarifies that counties can accept title to neglected cemeteries outside municipal boundaries (if they threaten public health) and authorizes action on historically significant cemeteries certified by the state archives department. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not affect for-profit cemeteries or family burial grounds.