Sen. David Blount

Maddy summarySB 2105 would appropriate $10 million from the state general fund to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) to construct a fire station in partnership with the City of Jackson Fire Department. This station would provide primary fire response for the UMMC campus and other state properties during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifies that funds would be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions to cover construction costs.

Maddy summarySB 2812 would create a $10 million loan program to help Mississippi's rural counties (population ≤30,000) and municipalities (population ≤10,000) cover costs for emergency infrastructure repairs, maintenance, construction, and upgrades. The Mississippi Development Authority would administer the program, offering loans up to $250,000 for up to five years, with repayments replenishing the fund to avoid needing new state funding. The state would issue $10 million in general obligation bonds to establish the "Rural Counties and Municipalities Emergency Infrastructure Improvements Fund," which would not expire and would use loan repayments to sustain future support. The bill, which died in committee in February 2025, aimed to provide a sustainable funding solution for small communities facing urgent infrastructure needs.

Maddy summarySB 2938 would have allocated $1,000,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Department of Finance and Administration to cover fire protection costs for the Jackson Fire Department during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affected the Jackson Fire Department by providing state funding for its operational expenses. It was a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond the specified appropriation. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2901 would have allocated $500,000 from Mississippi's General Fund to the Greenwood Cemetery Association for cemetery renovation and repairs during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill specifically provided funding to cover restoration costs for the cemetery's physical upkeep. This appropriation bill, which died in committee on February 26, 2025, did not create new policy but would have directly provided financial support to the Greenwood Cemetery Association for its maintenance needs.

Maddy summarySB 2139 amends Mississippi law to include electronic smoking devices (like e-cigarettes) under the definition of "tobacco products" for a 15% excise tax. This means manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of e-cigarettes will now pay the same tax as traditional tobacco products, such as cigars or smokeless tobacco. The bill specifically updates Section 27-69-3 of Mississippi’s tax code to define "electronic smoking device" and aligns related tax provisions. The change directly affects businesses selling e-cigarettes within Mississippi by adding them to the existing tobacco tax framework.

Maddy summarySB 3096 would appropriate $7.07 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to Hinds County for upgrading the water system at its criminal justice facility. The bill aims to compensate the county for pandemic relief funds (ARPA) it would have received but did not, making it "whole" for this specific project. This funding would cover costs associated with the facility's water system improvements during fiscal year 2026. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but died in committee without further action.

Maddy summarySB 2970 appropriates $250,000 from the State General Fund to Hinds County for fire station improvements at the Midway Road and Owens Road Volunteer Fire Department, covering fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill requires Hinds County to contribute a 50% local match for the project costs. It specifies that state funds will be paid via state warrants upon county requisitions. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 502), not a policy bill. It formally expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of John J. Fraiser, Jr., a former state senator, presiding judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals, and WWII veteran who died in July 2024. The resolution commends his decades of public service, including establishing the Mississippi Court of Appeals and authoring education-related legislation. It has no policy impact or effect on any individuals or laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Edwin Lloyd Pittman, a former Mississippi public servant. It honors his service as Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, Attorney General, Secretary of State, two-term State Senator, and Brigadier General in the Mississippi National Guard. The resolution recognizes his career spanning multiple branches of state government and his efforts to improve judicial transparency and access to justice. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 506) is a concurrent resolution expressing the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to the surviving family of former State Senator Nickey Reed Browning of Pontotoc, Mississippi, following his death on October 29, 2024. It commends his 24-year service in the Senate, his community leadership, and his role as a longtime coach for the Pontotoc Red Sox American Legion Baseball team. The resolution formally extends condolences and recognizes his contributions to Pontotoc and Union Counties. As a commemorative measure, it does not create any new laws or policies.