Sen. Kathy Chism

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 is a symbolic resolution expressing Mississippi's support for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It does not create new laws or programs but formally encourages the state to support U.S.-Taiwan trade (noting $201.1 billion in 2025 trade), advocate for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO, and establish a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan. The resolution also supports a U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement and counters efforts by China to limit Taiwan's global engagement. As a non-binding expression of support, it directly affects Mississippi's diplomatic posture but does not impose new obligations or changes to existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Mississippi legislators to two consecutive terms in either the House or Senate, with a four-year break allowed before seeking the other chamber. It also sets a lifetime cap of 16 total years serving in both chambers combined. The amendment would be submitted to voters in the November 2026 election, with a ballot explanation stating the term limits. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and is not currently moving forward.

Maddy summarySB 2196, the "No Patient Left Alone Act," requires healthcare facilities to allow visitors for patients during admissions or residency under specific circumstances, including end-of-life care, emotional distress, or when a patient needs family assistance with eating/drinking. Facilities must develop alternate visitation plans during health/safety restrictions (while maximizing visits) and submit annual visitation policies to the Mississippi Department of Health for approval by January 1. Violations - such as failing to correct policy deficiencies or restricting visits without justification - can trigger administrative fines of at least $500 per violation, with each day of non-compliance counted separately. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and mandates facilities to inform patients of their visitation rights and provide contact details for reporting violations.

Maddy summarySB 2268 adds Old State Highway 6 and Old State Highway 9 in Pontotoc County to Mississippi's official state highway system. This technical amendment updates the state's highway designation list under Section 65-3-3 of the Mississippi Code. It directly affects these specific county roads by formally placing them under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Transportation Commission for maintenance, rather than local county control. The bill makes no changes to funding, construction, or road conditions - only clarifies their administrative classification within the state system.

Maddy summarySB 2265 would have allowed all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) to operate on county rural, gravel, or paved roads in Mississippi, subject to specific rules. Key provisions included requiring vehicle licensing and tags (capped at $100), prohibiting operation on highways with speed limits over 40 mph (except for short crossings), and mandating safety measures like helmets for riders under 16. The bill also exempted these vehicles from windshield wiper requirements but required headlights/taillights during road crossings. However, the bill "Died In Committee" on February 3, 2026, and never became law, so these changes were never implemented.

Maddy summarySB 2305 would have required Mississippi public school boards to allow a Christian Bible provided by an external entity (not the school district) to be visible in all classrooms and libraries. It also mandated daily recitation of the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance - including the phrase "under God" - and required teaching a new state pledge referencing "Almighty God." The bill aimed to enforce these provisions through school board compliance measures and reporting requirements. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.

Maddy summaryMississippi's SB 2331 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a court-issued warrant before using cell site simulators (devices that mimic cell towers to track phones or collect data). The bill allows warrantless use only if officers determine an immediate threat to life or safety from terrorism, with strict time limits (24 hours) and data deletion rules. It prohibits collecting or keeping data from non-target devices, requiring such information to be deleted within 48 hours. This law directly affects all Mississippi state and local law enforcement agencies using these tracking devices.

Maddy summarySB 2394, a proposed Mississippi bill, would allow home-based food sellers to increase their annual sales limit from an unspecified lower amount to $120,000 without needing a full food establishment permit. It requires all cottage food sellers to complete certified food safety training (with existing sellers having until October 2026 to comply) and lists specific approved foods like baked goods, jams, dried spices, and wine. The bill also mandates detailed product labeling, prohibits direct online sales (though advertising online is allowed), and exempts homemade wine sold through cottage food operations from certain local restrictions. This bill, which died in committee in February 2026, would have directly affected small home-based food businesses operating within Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2456 creates the "Foster Youth Earned Benefits Protection for Success Program" to help Mississippi foster youth access and manage federal benefits they've already earned (like Social Security or veterans' benefits). The bill requires the Department of Child Protection Services to identify eligible youth within 60 days of placement, apply for these benefits, and manage them in special accounts (such as ABLE accounts) to avoid interfering with public benefits. Youth can access portions of these saved benefits upon reaching key milestones like graduating high school, securing a job for six months, or completing financial literacy training. The program ensures benefits are used only for unmet needs beyond basic care and requires annual reviews to maintain savings. This directly affects foster youth aged 18+ in Mississippi's care system who qualify for federal benefits.

Maddy summarySB 2520 requires Mississippi public school districts to adopt policies banning students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices (like tablets or smartwatches) on school campuses during instructional time (bell to bell) by July 1, 2027. The policy must include disciplinary procedures and allow exceptions for emergencies or health monitoring. School-issued devices used for instruction are exempt. The bill, which died in committee on February 3, 2026, would have required districts to submit policies to the state Department of Education by October 1, 2027, and annually thereafter.