Sen. Tyler McCaughn

Maddy summarySB 2527 requires solar energy companies (grantees) to plan for and cover the costs of removing solar panels and restoring land after a solar facility agreement ends. It mandates that agreements with landowners include specific financial guarantees - starting at 5% of removal costs when operations begin, increasing to 50% after 10 years, and 100% after 15 years - to ensure land restoration. The bill applies to all solar facilities 5MW or larger (excluding smaller projects unless specified in agreements) and prohibits contracts that waive a company’s liability for removal or restoration. It also prevents local governments from imposing stricter removal requirements than those set by the bill.

Maddy summarySB 2578 creates a state fund to help small Mississippi municipalities (with under 10,000 residents) access federal grants by providing matching funds. It requires participating towns to contribute 20% of eligible project costs, with the state fund covering the remaining 80% to draw down federal money. The fund also allows reimbursement for up to 1.25% of its total amount for oversight costs by the Department of Finance and Administration. The department must annually report fund usage and costs to state officials, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 3086 appropriates $200,296 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Veterinary Examiners to cover its operational expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill provides funding for the board’s existing administrative costs and requires it to maintain detailed financial records comparable to its 2026 reporting. This is a routine budgetary measure affecting only the veterinary board’s operations, with no new regulations or direct impact on the public or animal owners.

Maddy summarySB 3083 appropriates $473,712 for the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors to cover its operating expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically allocates $141,750 to update and maintain the board’s Licensing Management System and technology initiatives. It requires the board to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY2026 standards and submit comparable budget requests to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for FY2028. The funding must comply with state procurement rules, including preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions. This is a procedural funding bill with no direct policy changes for counselors or the public.

Maddy summarySB 3080 appropriates $147,459 for the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists to cover its operational expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). Of this, $105,862 is specifically designated for "Personal Services," covering salaries, wages, and benefits for one authorized permanent employee position. The bill restricts these funds to personnel costs only, prohibiting use for promotions, salary increases, or filling new positions without additional legislative approval. It requires strict adherence to Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and mandates detailed financial reporting for compliance.

Maddy summarySB 3077 appropriates $369,241 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Advisory Committee to cover expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically allocates $186,280 for personnel costs, including employee salaries and benefits, while restricting spending to authorized staff positions (2 permanent roles) and prohibiting salary reductions below state minimums. It requires strict budget adherence, limits "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled positions (not for raises or promotions), and mandates detailed financial reporting to the legislature. The bill ensures funds are used solely for the committee’s operational needs without exceeding appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 3084 appropriates $769,829 for Mississippi's State Board of Public Accountancy to cover its fiscal year 2027 expenses (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $496,104 for staff salaries and benefits for five permanent positions, with strict rules preventing budget overruns or using these funds for promotions. An additional $42,000 is earmarked exclusively for investigations, testimony, and administrative hearings related to the board's work. The bill ensures compliance with state salary plans and requires detailed financial reporting for transparency.

Maddy summaryMississippi Senate Bill 2420 amends wildlife laws to extend hunting seasons ending on a Saturday until 30 minutes after sunset on the following Sunday. This applies to deer (Section 49-7-31), bobwhite quail and wild turkey (Section 49-7-31.2), squirrel and rabbits (Section 49-7-31.3), and fur-bearing animals (Section 49-7-31.4). The change only affects the end time of existing seasons when they conclude on Saturday, providing hunters an additional window on Sunday. It does not alter season dates, hunting methods, or regulations for these species.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Mississippi musician Guy Hovis, Jr., who passed away in January 2026. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature's condolences to his surviving family and celebrates his legacy as a musical icon who performed on *The Lawrence Welk Show* for over a decade and contributed to Mississippi's cultural heritage. The resolution formally pays tribute to his life and career without creating any new laws or affecting any policies.

Maddy summarySB 2258 establishes the Mississippi-Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Mississippi and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 appointed members (including state officials and trade experts with Irish connections), will advance bilateral trade, promote business/academic exchanges, and encourage mutual investment. It can raise funds through solicitation, grants, and donations to carry out these goals. The bill directly affects Mississippi businesses seeking Irish market opportunities and Irish entities interested in Mississippi trade partnerships, effective March 17, 2026.