Sen. Tyler McCaughn

Maddy summarySB 3035 appropriates $1,768,035 from the State General Fund and $1,119,460 from special funds to cover the operating costs of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill authorizes 23 permanent and 5 time-limited staff positions, with strict conditions requiring funds to cover personnel expenses without increasing salaries for current employees or exceeding prior-year budgets. It mandates detailed accounting records and specifies that $250,000 must be used for animal disease outbreak response under existing law. This is a funding measure for the Board’s existing operations, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySB 2968 changes how Mississippi calculates property taxes for rural agricultural structures like barns and poultry houses (excluding homes). It requires revaluing structures appraised before 2025 and mandates a fixed 7% annual depreciation rate for all rural structures after initial appraisal. Poultry houses have specific rules: their value cannot drop below 20% of original value, and a 45% economic obsolescence adjustment applies. These changes directly affect owners of commercial agricultural buildings, not residential properties.

Maddy summarySB 3033 is a funding bill appropriating $29.38 million for Mississippi's Department of Agriculture and Commerce for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It allocates $9.16 million from general funds and $19.22 million from special sources (including museum fees, market subscriptions, and county contributions) to cover department operations, staff positions (219 permanent), and specific programs like the Beaver Control Program ($1.1 million) and Mississippi Egg Marketing Board ($74,805). The bill does not create new policies but funds existing services, requiring the department to meet performance targets like 2,000 pesticide inspections and 110,000 museum visitors. It died in conference on March 29, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summarySB 3095 reduces Mississippi's individual income tax rate for income above $10,000 to 3.75% starting in 2027, gradually decreasing to 2.99% by 2030. It increases the sales tax on groceries (not purchased with food stamps) to 5% starting July 2025 and raises the fuel excise tax from 21¢ to 27¢ per gallon over 2025-2027. The bill also adjusts how revenue from fuel and sales taxes is distributed, directing more funds to infrastructure projects in municipalities and counties. These changes directly affect higher-income earners, grocery shoppers, and drivers purchasing gasoline.

Maddy summarySB 3031 is a funding bill that allocates $450.5 million (from general and special funds) to Mississippi's Department of Corrections for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It directly affects the state's correctional operations by funding specific areas like medical services ($109.6 million), regional facilities ($50.3 million), community corrections ($40.7 million), and major facilities including Parchman ($38.8 million) and South Mississippi Correctional ($27.1 million). Key mechanisms include strict limits on personal services spending (preventing salary increases for current staff) and requiring funds for vacancies to fill headcount, not boost existing salaries. This bill provides operational funding but does not create new policies or alter correctional laws.

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 summaryThis resolution (SR 125) formally recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Mississippi State Fire Academy. It honors the Academy's history since 1974, its role in training firefighters and emergency responders, and its contributions to public safety across Mississippi. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment presented to the Academy's leadership.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 118) expressing the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of John Wesley Johnson, a longtime Meridian TV news broadcaster and community leader. It commends his 32-year career at WTOK-TV, his service on local boards, and his contributions to journalism and education. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it serves as a formal tribute to honor his legacy. It was adopted by the Senate in March 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 resolution (SR 122) formally commends Flowood, Mississippi Mayor Gary Rhoads for his 36 years of public service and economic development leadership, including his role in maintaining low city millage rates and overseeing projects like the Dogwood Festival and Sheraton Hotel. It directly honors Rhoads on his retirement from office, recognizing his community engagement and financial stewardship. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Mississippi Senate's appreciation through a formal statement. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2025.