Sen. David Blount

Maddy summaryBill SC 504 is a commemorative resolution extending the Mississippi Senate's deepest sympathy to the family of Charles James Pittman, a former Mississippi State Senator and former staff member to Governor Haley Barbour. The resolution also commends his decades of public service, including founding the "MS Singing Senators" and his dedication to Mississippi communities. It honors his legacy of ethics, community involvement, and service to the state, as detailed in the resolution's preamble. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but serves as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 30) expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Representative Charles L. Young, Jr., following his passing on December 19, 2024. It formally extends sympathy to his surviving family members, recognizing his service as a Democrat representing Mississippi's 82nd District since 2012. The resolution does not create any new policies or affect any specific laws, as it is a ceremonial expression of respect for a deceased legislator.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 29) formally honors Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones for 25 years of service in law enforcement. It recognizes his leadership, community-focused initiatives, and contributions to improving police-community relations in Hinds County. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing legislative appreciation through a formal resolution and a copy presented to Sheriff Jones. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on February 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 22) is a ceremonial Senate measure congratulating the Jackson State University Women's Softball Team and Head Coach Kevin Montgomery for winning the 2024 SWAC Tournament Championship - their first title in over a decade. It specifically recognizes their victory over Florida A&M (3-1) and highlights key players and coaches. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect; it is purely symbolic recognition of athletic achievement. It was formally adopted by the Mississippi Senate on February 11, 2025, and will be presented to the team and university leadership.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally praises Jackson State University's "Sonic Boom of the South" marching band and its director, Dr. Roderick Little, for their performance at the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade. It specifically recognizes their role in showcasing Mississippi's musical heritage on a national stage during the January 1, 2025, parade. The resolution has no policy or financial impact - it is purely ceremonial, extending congratulations from the Mississippi Senate without altering laws or regulations. It was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2542 would have established a formal process for Mississippi voters to propose amendments to the state code through citizen-initiated petitions. Qualified electors could submit proposed amendments to the Secretary of State, including required details about funding impacts, and the Attorney General would review them for clarity before they could appear on ballots. The bill specified that petitions must be filed with the Secretary of State, include a revenue plan, and undergo a 10-day Attorney General review for form and style. It also created rules for ballot titles and allowed appeals to court if voters disagreed with the proposed wording. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2567 (Mississippi) allows the Secretary of State to withhold up to 10% of proceeds from sales of tax-forfeited land to cover immediate tree removal costs that threaten life or property on adjacent parcels, upon notification from local clerks. It also authorizes the Secretary to reimburse municipalities or counties for cleanup/maintenance costs on tax-forfeited land that poses public health or safety threats, using remaining funds in the Land Records Maintenance Fund. The bill amends related statutes to exempt this fund from general fund transfer requirements. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee but died there on February 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryMississippi bill SC 512 proposes a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies after they complete their full sentence, including probation and parole, and are discharged by the Department of Corrections. It directly affects individuals with felony convictions who have served their sentence but were previously barred from voting under Mississippi's current constitution. The amendment would change Section 241 of the constitution to remove the voting ban upon sentence completion, while Section 253 would retain a legislative option for restoring rights in limited cases (requiring a two-thirds vote). The measure was referred to committee in January 2025 but died there on February 4, 2025, and would have required voter approval in the November 2025 election.

Maddy summarySB 2588 removes Confederate Memorial Day from Mississippi's list of legal holidays and designates June 19 as "Juneteenth Freedom Day" as a new legal holiday. This bill directly affects state government operations, public schools, and state employees by changing the official calendar of observances. The key mechanism is amending Mississippi Code Section 3-3-7 to delete Confederate Memorial Day and add Juneteenth Freedom Day, while clarifying that holidays falling on weekends will be observed on the following Monday. The bill does not change existing observances for other holidays like Independence Day or Memorial Day.

Maddy summarySB 2719 would require Mississippi's Department of Human Services to redirect at least 30% of annual state and federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds - used for cash aid and child welfare services - into the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This would increase funding for child care subsidies for low-income working families, directly affecting families seeking affordable child care and the state's child care system. The bill mandates this transfer annually starting July 1, 2025, and would amend Mississippi Code §43-27-33. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and is not currently law.