Sen. Dean Kirby

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 49) congratulating 17-year-old Rachel McAlpin of Brandon, Mississippi, for winning a gold medal in the 50-meter breaststroke at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania. The resolution formally extends the Mississippi Senate's commendation to McAlpin, recognizing her athletic achievement and personal background. It has no policy impact or binding effect - it is purely an honorary gesture with no direct legal or financial implications for any individual or group. The Senate will present the resolution to McAlpin, her family, and Team USA.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution honoring Katie Blount upon her retirement as Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH). It recognizes her 11-year leadership (2015-2026), including overseeing the opening of the Two Mississippi Museums (visited by over 744,000 people since 2017) and advancing inclusive storytelling and preservation efforts at historic sites. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the Senate’s gratitude for her service.

Maddy summarySB 2018 creates the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program, which reimburses actively drilling Mississippi National Guard members for their Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The program applies to members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select coverage who are not covered by another employer, with reimbursements paid at the current "Tricare Reserve Select - Member only" rate. The Adjutant General administers the program, requiring legislative funding each year and annual reports starting in 2026 to assess its impact on medical readiness and participation. This policy directly affects National Guard members by reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, aiming to support retention and readiness.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 526 is a symbolic resolution congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels football team and head coach Pete Golding for winning the 2025-2026 Sugar Bowl championship and finishing No. 3 in national rankings - the highest finish for an SEC team since 1962. It recognizes their 13-2 season, historic College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, and significance as the highest-ranked Ole Miss team in over six decades. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, commending the team's achievements without altering laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 2480 directs the State Fiscal Officer to transfer $265 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Capacity Project Fund upon the bill's effective date. This transfer specifically funds transportation infrastructure projects (known as "capacity projects") included in the Mississippi Department of Transportation's Three-Year Plan, as defined under existing law. The bill amends Section 65-1-141.2 to clarify that unspent funds in the Capacity Project Fund do not lapse into the general state fund, and earnings from the fund remain within it. The bill does not create new policy but reallocates existing state funds for transportation project financing.

Maddy summarySB 2390 amends Mississippi law to exempt elevators in private residences from annual inspection requirements under the Conveyance Safety Act. The bill clarifies that Section 45-45-7 no longer applies to elevators located within private homes, removing an existing inspection mandate. This directly affects homeowners who own elevators in their single-family residences. The change simplifies regulatory requirements for residential elevator owners without creating new safety standards. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2479, the "Creating Transparency and Accountability in Dental Services Act," requires dental insurance companies (referred to as "dental carriers") to calculate and report annually how much of their premium revenue is spent directly on patient care versus administrative costs. Dental carriers must file detailed reports by June 30 each year, including data matching federal standards, and make these reports publicly accessible online by December 1. The law applies to all dental health plans sold in Mississippi, excluding Medicaid and state-sponsored programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program. This transparency measure aims to clarify where premium dollars go, allowing consumers and regulators to review carrier spending patterns.

Maddy summarySB 2948 appropriates $2 million from the state General Fund to the City of Pearl for installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Murray Drive and MS-468. The funds are designated for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), with payment to be processed through the State Treasurer upon proper requisition. This is a straightforward funding authorization with no policy changes or new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 3029 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and upgrades to the City of Pearl's city hall building and related facilities. The bonds are general obligations of the state, backed by Mississippi's full faith and credit, meaning the state guarantees repayment using state funds if needed. Proceeds from the bond sale would be deposited into a special fund managed by the State Bond Commission for the city's use, with no additional requirements beyond the bill's provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2943 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to the City of Pearl, Mississippi, specifically for renovating its city hall building during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027). The bill directly funds the City of Pearl's capital improvement project for its municipal building. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions or broader impacts beyond this specific renovation.