Sen. David Blount

Maddy summarySR 128 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing W.H. Lanier Junior Senior High School in Jackson, Mississippi, for its 100th anniversary in 2025. It formally honors the school's history as central Mississippi's first continually-serving African American high school since 1925, including its role in the Civil Rights Movement where students participated in early 1960s protests. The resolution supports commemorative events planned by the Lanier High School National Alumni Association to celebrate the school's legacy of educational excellence and historical significance. It has been adopted by the Mississippi Senate and will be presented to the school's alumni association and Jackson School Board.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution formally recognizes WLBT newscaster Howard Ballou for receiving the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters' Television Lifetime Achievement Award. It commends his 30+ years of contributions to broadcasting in Mississippi, including multiple awards and community leadership. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, with no new laws or funding changes. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2510 amends Mississippi law to prohibit online, interactive, and computerized gambling games - including internet sweepstakes casinos - by expanding existing gambling definitions. It increases penalties for illegal online wagering operations from a misdemeanor to a felony, with fines up to $100,000 or 10 years in prison per violation. The bill authorizes seizure of assets, rights, and privileges used in violations and allows prosecutions to occur in the county of the offense or Hinds County. It directly affects operators of illegal online gaming platforms and businesses offering unlicensed digital gambling services.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SC 539) expresses Mississippi's support for strengthening economic ties with Taiwan. It specifically advocates for establishing a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan to help small and medium businesses engage in trade, while also endorsing Taiwan's international participation and honoring Mississippi's existing sister-state relationship since 1983. The resolution notes Mississippi exported over $200 million in goods to Taiwan in 2024. As a non-binding statement of support, it does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summarySB 2381 clarifies that the Mississippi Secretary of State must approve all leases for Public Trust Tidelands used in gaming projects, requiring gaming licensees (including those seeking new licenses) to obtain a separate lease from the Secretary of State rather than relying on municipal or county authority. It specifically applies to gaming establishments in Mississippi’s three southernmost counties and mandates this lease requirement for new projects, while exempting sites approved before December 31, 2024. The bill also prohibits leasing tidelands with constructed sand beaches (as defined in state law) for gaming purposes and confirms the Secretary of State holds exclusive management authority over these tidelands unless the legislature explicitly divests it. This eliminates ambiguity about lease requirements for gaming operations on state-owned coastal lands.

Maddy summarySR 120 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 150th anniversary of the 1875 Clinton Massacre in Clinton, Mississippi. It formally recognizes and honors the lives lost - primarily African American voters and community members - when a political rally turned violent, leading to deaths and the end of Reconstruction in Mississippi. The resolution specifically references the events of September 4, 1875, when Black Republicans gathered to exercise voting rights, and the subsequent violence that followed. As a commemorative measure, it has no legal effect but serves to acknowledge this historical event on its 150th anniversary (2025), as adopted by the legislature on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 119) is a ceremonial expression of condolence from the Mississippi Senate mourning the passing of Jackson Police Department Corporal Christopher Gallion, Sr., who died from a medical emergency while on duty on March 13, 2025. It honors his 17-year service, leadership, and community impact as described by his department and Chief Joseph Wade. The resolution extends condolences to his family and formally recognizes his legacy, but it contains no policy changes or direct effects on any individuals or laws. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely to acknowledge his service and loss.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill) honoring Senator John A. Polk (District 44) for receiving the Mississippi Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Mississippi National Guard. It formally recognizes his "outstanding leadership" in supporting the National Guard through legislative actions, as cited in the award. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's acknowledgment of his award and will be presented to him. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any specific group beyond the symbolic honor.

Maddy summarySB 2438, the Mississippi State Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, would provide eligible state employees who are primary caregivers with six weeks (240 hours) of paid leave at 100% of their regular salary following the birth or adoption of a child. It applies to state employees (excluding K-12 teachers, higher education staff, and community college employees) and requires leave to be taken within 12 weeks of the event, with no carryover or payout upon separation. The paid leave would run concurrently with federal FMLA leave and not count against accrued personal or medical leave. School districts and community colleges would also be required to adopt similar paid parental leave policies for their employees.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring former Mississippi House Speaker Pro Tempore Robert George Clark, Jr., who died on March 4, 2025. It extends the Legislature's sympathy to his family and recognizes his historic service as Mississippi's first African American legislator since Reconstruction (1967-2003), his leadership roles, and his advocacy for education and Mississippi's historical preservation. The resolution directs that it be presented to his family and forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. No policy changes or funding are involved.