Sen. Sollie Norwood

Maddy summarySB 2689 authorizes Mississippi's Department of Child Protection Services to provide monthly payments to qualifying grandparents who assume primary care of their grandchildren. It directly affects grandparents (not requiring legal custody or formal child placement) who complete department-approved training. Payments cover up to 100% of the standard foster care board payment amount for room, board, and related expenses. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires annual legislative appropriations for funding.

Maddy summarySB 2790, the "Responsible Firearm Purchasing Act," prohibits minors from purchasing or possessing firearms, handguns, ammunition, or armor-piercing ammunition, and bans sellers from selling these items to minors. It requires all firearm and ammunition sales to comply with existing federal and state laws. Violations by minors could result in fines up to $200 or 30 days in jail, while adults selling to minors face felony charges with penalties of up to $2,000 or two years in prison. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2905 would allow Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) retirees who are elected to the legislature to continue receiving their retirement allowance while serving as legislators, in addition to their legislative salary. It requires these legislators to pay the full employee contribution amount on their legislative salary to PERS, but they would not earn additional retirement credit for the service period. The bill also specifies that such individuals would not be considered active retirement members during their legislative service. This change applies specifically to PERS retirees elected to the legislature after retirement or legislators eligible for PERS benefits while serving.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Mississippi Senate's support for the Beth Israel Congregation following an arson attack on their Jackson building on January 10, 2026. It condemns attacks on houses of worship as violations of religious freedom and references statements from Governor Reeves and Jackson Mayor Horhn condemning antisemitism and hate crimes. The resolution formally offers sympathy to the congregation and directs the Senate to transmit its support to the congregation's board and Mississippi's Public Safety Commissioner. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 9) is a ceremonial recognition of Dr. Charles McClelland, Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), for his leadership and contributions to the conference and HBCU athletics. It specifically commends him for elevating the SWAC's national image and acknowledges his appointment to the NCAA Board of Governors. The resolution does not create new policies or affect any laws; it is purely a formal statement of appreciation. It highlights his role in expanding the SWAC to 12 member institutions and launching SWAC TV, but these are background details supporting the recognition, not policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative impact beyond expressing official commendation.

Maddy summarySB 2028 appropriates $9.59 million from general funds and $19.95 million from special sources (including fees and museum admissions) to cover the fiscal year 2026 operating expenses of Mississippi's Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The bill specifically allocates $15.21 million for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for 235 authorized positions (222 permanent, 13 time-limited), with strict rules preventing fund diversion for non-salary purposes or exceeding budgeted amounts. It also authorizes three new positions (two inspectors and a Trade Mart assistant manager) and includes $1.1 million for the Beaver Control Program. The bill mandates compliance with state personnel rules and IRS reporting requirements for contractor payments.

Maddy summarySB 2027 provides $34.5 million in state funding for Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It allocates $5.9 million from general funds for regular operations and $28.6 million from special funds for agency support, with $18.99 million strictly reserved for salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill open positions (not for raises). The bill also sets aside $585,056 for disaster assistance programs, including public aid, individual grants, and mitigation efforts. All spending is subject to strict budget caps and rules to prevent exceeding appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 2026 appropriates $438.2 million from the state General Fund and $30.8 million from special funds for Mississippi's Department of Corrections during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill allocates specific funding to key areas including $122 million for medical services, $69.5 million for private prison contracts, and $144 million for personnel costs (salaries, benefits, and staffing positions). These funds directly support state correctional facilities like Parchman, South Mississippi Correctional, and community corrections programs, covering operational expenses and staffing for approximately 2,900 positions. As a funding measure, it does not change policy but authorizes financial resources for existing correctional operations.

Maddy summarySB 2015 appropriates $168,604,209 from the State General Fund and $117,126,547 from Special Funds to cover the Department of Public Safety's expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It specifically allocates $154,691,960 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits), with strict limits on spending to prevent exceeding budgeted amounts when annualized. The bill authorizes 4 new positions (including Medical Examiner and Sexual Assault Kits staff) and requires that "Vacancy Funding" ($705,000) be used solely to fill unfilled roles, not for raises or promotions. It also mandates that funds must comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds.

Maddy summarySB 2030 appropriates $1,913,967 from general funds and $1,287,795 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Board of Animal Health’s expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically allocates $2,131,775 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) to support 28 authorized positions (23 permanent, 5 time-limited), with strict limits preventing overspending on personnel costs. It requires the Board to maintain detailed financial records and comply with state personnel rules, including a cap on annualized salary expenditures. This funding directly affects the Board’s operational budget and staffing for animal health oversight in Mississippi.