Sen. Rod Hickman

Maddy summarySB 3027 appropriates $200,296 from state funds to cover the Mississippi State Board of Veterinary Examiners' expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill requires the Board to maintain detailed financial records comparable to its 2025 reporting and mandates that purchases prioritize Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal. It also specifies that state funds cannot replace withdrawn federal or special funds for salaries. This procedural funding bill directly affects the Board’s operations and administrative processes.

Maddy summarySB 3014 appropriates $754,389 from the state General Fund to cover the Mississippi Ethics Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026). The bill authorizes six permanent staff positions and requires the Commission to maintain detailed financial records matching its 2025 reporting standards. It also directs the Commission to prioritize purchasing from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind and permits using funds for vehicle insurance. This is a routine funding measure for an existing agency, not a policy change affecting citizens or businesses. The bill was pending in conference committee as of March 29, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 3024 appropriates $378,711 in state funds to cover the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors' expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically allocates $100,000 toward updating the board's Licensing Management System. It requires the board to maintain detailed financial records comparable to previous years and mandates that funds be used in compliance with state budget laws and procurement preferences for Mississippi Industries for the Blind. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting the board's operations and licensing processes for professional counselors.

Maddy summarySB 3016 appropriates $166,138,842 for general Department of Public Safety expenses and $103,805,410 for operational costs for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026), totaling $270 million. It authorizes 1,745 positions (1,671 permanent, 74 temporary) and strictly limits salary increases to new hires only, requiring new funds for any additional personnel costs. The bill mandates the department meet specific performance targets, including a 7% increase in enforcement citations, a 4% decrease in fatalities, and a 10% rise in driver’s license issuances. It also prohibits quota-based speed citations, restricts fund use for public relations, and requires $5 million from the Department of Transportation for commercial enforcement operations.

Maddy summarySB 3026 appropriates $4.3 million from state funds to cover the Mississippi State Board of Public Contractors' operating expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill authorizes 18 permanent staff positions and includes strict rules: funds cannot increase salaries for current employees (only for new hires), must maintain minimum salary levels, and allocates $2.3 million specifically for enforcement, collections, and administrative costs related to contractor fines. It also requires the Board to prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal. This is a funding bill with no new policy changes, solely directing how existing state funds will be spent.

Maddy summarySB 3021 appropriates $143,843 for the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists to cover its operational expenses during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifies that funds may only cover authorized personnel costs (including one permanent position) and strictly prohibit using them for salary increases, promotions, or replacing withdrawn federal funds. It requires the board to maintain detailed financial records matching its 2025 reporting standards and mandates compliance with state budget laws limiting expenditures to the appropriated amount. This is a procedural funding measure with no policy changes, intended solely to support the board’s existing administrative functions.

Maddy summarySB 3020 appropriates $330,143 from the state treasury to fund the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Services for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It authorizes two permanent staff positions for the board and strictly limits spending to prevent exceeding the budget, requiring agencies to use funds only for new hires - not salary increases or promotions. The bill mandates detailed accounting records matching 2025 standards and requires the board to prioritize purchases from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal. It also ensures funds comply with state budget laws and prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds.

Maddy summarySB 3025 appropriates $753,303 from the state treasury to cover the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifies that $42,000 must be used solely for investigations, testimony, and administrative hearings related to the board’s work, and includes restrictions on fund usage - such as prohibiting funds from replacing federal money or covering salary increases for current staff. It also directs the board to prioritize Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions.

Maddy summarySB 3015 appropriates $643,363 from the State General Fund and $109,286 from the State Treasury to fund the Commission on Judicial Performance for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill authorizes four permanent staff positions for the commission and requires detailed accounting of funds, aligning with existing fiscal year 2025 reporting standards. It also directs the commission to prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal, but does not create new judicial policies or affect judges directly.

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.