Sen. Tyler McCaughn

Maddy summaryThe Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pay pharmacies promptly for medications and establishes a process for pharmacies to appeal if payments are below agreed rates. It also bans PBMs and pharmacy services organizations (PSAOs) from restricting patient choice of pharmacy, spreading pricing, or retaliating against pharmacists who exercise rights under the law. The bill mandates that PBMs, PSAOs, drug manufacturers, and health insurers report pricing and contract details to the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, which will publish this information online for transparency. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacists, PBMs, PSAOs, and health insurers operating in Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2792 clarifies that Mississippi nonprofit corporations failing to file annual reports on time or omit required information (like registered agent details, principal office address, or public funds received) may face administrative dissolution (state-ordered shutdown). It directly affects all nonprofit corporations operating in Mississippi that must file annual reports with the Secretary of State. The bill repeals a separate provision (Section 79-11-391) requiring status reports for nonprofits. The legislation, which died in committee on March 4, 2025, would have taken effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 2008 requires that any transfer of carbon credit or sequestration rights must be recorded as a land interest in county land records, following existing Mississippi law for property conveyances. This applies directly to landowners and entities involved in carbon credit agreements, ensuring their rights have legal priority over later claims. The bill updates existing recording requirements (Sections 89-5-1 and 89-5-3 of Mississippi Code) to specifically include carbon-related interests, making their recording mandatory for enforceability. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not create new rules but applies current land recording procedures to carbon credit transactions.

Maddy summarySB 2892 established the Mississippi-Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Mississippi and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 appointed members (including state officials and Irish trade representatives) plus non-voting ex-officio members, aims to advance bilateral trade, promote business/academic exchanges, and encourage investment between the two regions. It is authorized to raise funds through donations, grants, and events to carry out these goals. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2444 establishes a scholarship program providing free tuition at Mississippi state universities and community colleges for eligible veterans. To qualify, veterans must be Mississippi residents, honorably discharged, qualify for in-state tuition, not receive federal education benefits, and either have served in a combat zone with a campaign medal or have a service-connected disability rated at 10% or higher. The program covers one month of tuition for each month of qualifying service, with a minimum of one academic year and maximum of four years of coverage. Funding is limited to $500,000 annually through the newly created Combat Veteran Scholarship Fund.

Maddy summarySB 2245 streamlines how Mississippi counties handle 16th section lands (historically reserved for schools) by removing the requirement for county boards of supervisors to approve leases or waivers for mineral exploration/production. Instead, it authorizes the Secretary of State to approve these transactions, directly affecting counties and industrial development projects seeking to use these lands. The bill also updates provisions allowing counties to financially assist industrial projects through contributions, loans, or property donations without board approval. These changes aim to simplify processes for economic development on public lands while maintaining county oversight for project-related infrastructure.

Maddy summarySR 65 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate to honor Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., who died in the line of duty on February 23, 2025. The resolution extends the Senate's "sincerest sympathy" to his surviving family - including his wife, daughter, and parents - and commends his law enforcement career. It has no policy provisions or financial impact; it is purely symbolic, expressing condolences and acknowledging his service. The Senate formally adopted the resolution on February 27, 2025, and will present it to his family and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office.

Maddy summarySR 49 is a ceremonial resolution extending the Mississippi Senate's sympathy to the surviving family of retired Hinds County Circuit Court Judge William Swan Yerger. It commends his decades of community service, including founding the Mississippi Arts Festival, leadership in local organizations, and dedication to the legal profession. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it formally honors his legacy through a symbolic expression of respect.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 55) honors James Henry Taylor, a Mississippi native and U.S. Army soldier lost when Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 disappeared during a secret Vietnam War mission on March 16, 1962. It commemorates his service and sacrifice, noting he was among 93 soldiers and 11 crew members whose names were not added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Mississippi Senate adopted the resolution on February 27, 2025, to extend recognition to Taylor and his surviving family. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new policy or affect any laws.

Maddy summarySB 3249 proposed a $1 million appropriation from Mississippi's General Fund to the State Health Department for renovating and furnishing health department offices in Newton, Mississippi. The funding was intended to cover costs associated with upgrading the offices located in a hospital building for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This bill, which died in committee on February 26, 2025, would have directly affected Newton County's health department operations by providing capital for facility improvements. It was a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions.