Sen. Rod Hickman

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 summarySB 2438, the Mississippi State Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, would provide eligible state employees who are primary caregivers with six weeks (240 hours) of paid leave at 100% of their regular salary following the birth or adoption of a child. It applies to state employees (excluding K-12 teachers, higher education staff, and community college employees) and requires leave to be taken within 12 weeks of the event, with no carryover or payout upon separation. The paid leave would run concurrently with federal FMLA leave and not count against accrued personal or medical leave. School districts and community colleges would also be required to adopt similar paid parental leave policies for their employees.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring former Mississippi House Speaker Pro Tempore Robert George Clark, Jr., who died on March 4, 2025. It extends the Legislature's sympathy to his family and recognizes his historic service as Mississippi's first African American legislator since Reconstruction (1967-2003), his leadership roles, and his advocacy for education and Mississippi's historical preservation. The resolution directs that it be presented to his family and forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. No policy changes or funding are involved.

Maddy summarySB 2233 would have required the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) to study dyslexia prevalence among inmates. The bill mandated MDOC to screen inmates using approved methods, collect demographic and educational data (while protecting privacy under HIPAA and FERPA), and analyze links between dyslexia, education, discipline, and recidivism. MDOC would have submitted a report to the legislature by December 31, 2025, with recommendations for addressing dyslexia-related needs. The bill died on the calendar in March 2025 and never became law. It directly affected inmates in Mississippi's correctional facilities.

Maddy summarySB 2484 creates a default rule in Mississippi that joint custody with equal parenting time is presumed to be in a child's best interest for all custody cases. Courts can override this presumption only if presented with a preponderance of evidence (more than 50% proof), and must document their reasoning for deviating. The bill also specifies a child support calculation method for joint custody cases and requires courts to document deviations unless both parents agree to a different arrangement. It includes a key exception: a rebuttable presumption against joint custody if a parent has a history of family violence, which must be documented with written findings. This bill directly affects parents and courts in Mississippi custody disputes, changing how custody decisions are made and calculated.

Maddy summarySB 2661 requires Mississippi county boards of supervisors to provide properly maintained, functional office space for local Child Protection Services (CPS) offices. The bill mandates counties cover all maintenance, repairs, and utility costs (electricity, water, etc.), while the state pays rent using federal funds and covers other operational expenses. It also establishes a leasing mechanism where counties can lease buildings to CPS, with federal funds covering the rent portion and counties handling non-federal costs. This policy directly affects county governments and CPS local offices, ensuring they have suitable facilities without relying on federal funds for property improvements. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryMississippi's SB 2392 authorizes the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Division of Medicaid to apply for a federal grant program (CCBHC Demonstration) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This bill directly affects regional mental health commissions by requiring DMH to certify and monitor clinics, while Medicaid establishes a payment system for CCBHC services. The key mechanism is enabling Mississippi to access federal funding for certified community behavioral health clinics, aligning with federal standards under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) of 2014. The bill does not create new services but streamlines the state’s process to join an existing federal grant program.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) recognizing Senator Angela Turner Ford for receiving the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) 2024 Legislative Champion Award. It formally commends her advocacy for adult education in Mississippi, citing her support during National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and her role as a keynote speaker for a High School Equivalency ceremony. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any programs or individuals beyond honoring the Senator. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on March 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution honors James Earl Jones, the Mississippi-born actor (born in Arkabutla, Mississippi), celebrating his career and expressing the legislature's sympathy for his passing. It commemorates his legacy as a groundbreaking Black actor known for iconic roles like Darth Vader and Mufasa, recognizing his influence on American culture and entertainment. The resolution directs the legislature to present its sentiments to Jones' family and major entertainment organizations, such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and SAG-AFTRA. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 524), not a policy bill. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to Jimmy Carter's family and commends his life, public service, and legacy following his passing. The resolution details his presidency (1977-1981), key achievements like the Camp David Accords, and post-presidency work through the Carter Center. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it is solely a symbolic gesture of remembrance. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi Legislature on March 5, 2025.