Sen. Tyler McCaughn

Maddy summarySB 2579 appropriates $5 million from Mississippi's Small Municipalities Federal Match Fund to the Department of Finance and Administration for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It enables small municipalities receiving discretionary federal funds to access matching state funds by requiring them to contribute 20% of project costs locally while federal funds cover 80%. The bill directs the Department of Finance and Administration to disburse these matching funds to qualifying small municipalities, aiming to help them leverage additional federal resources for local projects. The funds are specifically intended for municipalities that qualify under the state's matching program.

Maddy summarySB 2861 increases Mississippi's income tax credit for private landowners who plant eligible trees (pine or hardwood) using approved reforestation methods like seedling planting, mixed-stand regeneration, or direct seeding. It raises the annual credit limit to $20,000 per taxpayer (with a lifetime cap of $125,000) for costs related to these practices on nonindustrial private lands. Landowners must follow a written reforestation plan verified by a certified forester and cannot claim the credit if they received state/federal cost-share funds for the same work (unless their income is below federal earned income levels). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, directly benefiting private forest landowners seeking tax savings for sustainable tree planting.

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 Senate Resolution (SR 42) is a ceremonial tribute expressing the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Donna Jill Johnson, Meridian’s first Republican Circuit Clerk elected in Mississippi history. It honors her 32-year service to Lauderdale County and the state, noting her integrity, community involvement, and passing at age 80 on February 5, 2026. The resolution does not create any new laws or policies - it solely offers a formal expression of sympathy and recognition of her public service. It directly affects her surviving family members and colleagues, acknowledging her legacy without any legislative impact.

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi Senate resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass legislation prohibiting the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) from affecting Mississippi's timber and forestry exports. The EUDR requires proof that commodities like timber and hardwood are deforestation-free, which the resolution claims would impose excessive compliance burdens on Mississippi's $1.48 billion forestry industry - the state's second-largest agricultural sector - threatening access to the EU market (which buys 22% of U.S. hardwood exports). The resolution argues the EUDR's traceability requirements are "cumbersome" and "unworkably technical" for U.S. supply chains, risking job losses for thousands of Mississippi landowners and workers. It does not create new law but calls for federal action to block EUDR enforcement on Mississippi exports.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution honors the historical and cultural connection between Quebec and Mississippi, dating to 1699 when French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville established a settlement in what is now Mississippi. It recognizes ongoing ties through shared heritage (including annual commemorations), economic collaboration (like Quebec supplying aluminum to Mississippi's auto industry), and membership in the SEUS-CP alliance, without creating new laws or affecting any policies. The resolution will be formally transmitted to Quebec officials as a symbolic gesture of goodwill.

Maddy summarySB 2636 creates Mississippi's first dedicated Department of Cybersecurity to protect state systems and critical infrastructure. The department will develop statewide cybersecurity strategies, secure state digital networks, coordinate with local agencies, and run public awareness programs. The Governor appoints a Director (with Senate approval), who oversees operations and reports to the Governor and Legislature annually. The bill establishes a dedicated cybersecurity fund for grants and federal resources, effective July 1, 2026, with a sunset repeal date of June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (not a bill) recognizing blues musician Jesse Robinson as the 2026 recipient of Mississippi's Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's recognition to Robinson, honoring his decades-long contributions to Mississippi's blues music heritage. The resolution describes his career milestones, including his role in Jackson's blues scene, collaborations with artists like Bobby Rush, and work promoting blues education. It will be presented to Robinson personally and shared with the press. (Note: This resolution has no legal effect - it is purely symbolic recognition.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 13), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes Master Chairmaker Greg Harkins of Thomastown, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Traditional Craft. The resolution celebrates his 50-year career creating heirloom furniture, his national/international recognition (including chairs gifted to six U.S. Presidents and Pope John Paul II), and his role as a cultural ambassador for Mississippi. As a purely symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 16 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) as the 2026 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Performing Arts. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's recognition to MSO, the state's largest professional performing arts organization based in Jackson, for its contributions to Mississippi's cultural landscape. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves solely as a symbolic honor acknowledging MSO's 80-year history, educational programs, and statewide impact through music. The Senate will present this resolution to MSO's director, Crafton Beck, and share it with the press.