Maddy summarySB 2380 is a Mississippi state bill that primarily establishes a development fund for the City of Jackson and modifies gaming-related laws. The bill creates the City of Jackson Development Fund, which will receive additional fees from gaming licenses and provide loans and grants to support new and expanding businesses in the city. It also amends several sections of the Mississippi Gaming Control Act to define terms like "project" and "gaming device" more clearly, and allows legal gaming in establishments that are part of approved projects. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that if gaming revenue distributed to certain cities or counties falls below historical averages, the state will make up the shortfall. The bill was referred to a committee but ultimately died in committee without further action.
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Maddy summarySB 2321 would allow individuals convicted of nonviolent felonies to legally possess firearms and deadly weapons five years after completing all sentence requirements, including paying fines, fees, restitution, and probation or parole. It specifically excludes felons convicted of violent offenses as defined by Mississippi law or designated as violent by a judge. The bill does not change existing restrictions for violent felons or those with active disabilities. This legislation died in committee on February 4, 2025, and has not become law.
Maddy summarySB 2394 would expand Mississippi's Medicaid program to include low-income adults who qualify for coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically those meeting income criteria typically set at 138% of the federal poverty level. The bill amends Mississippi Code sections 43-13-115 (eligibility) and 43-13-117 (benefits) to add this new category and require essential health benefits for these individuals. This change would directly affect thousands of low-income adults in Mississippi currently uninsured due to the state's lack of Medicaid expansion under the ACA.
Maddy summarySB 2320 would prohibit law enforcement officers from using the odor of marijuana alone as probable cause to conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle, home, or other private property. This bill directly affects individuals in private spaces and law enforcement officers who would no longer be permitted to initiate such searches based solely on smelling marijuana. The key provision explicitly states that the scent of marijuana alone cannot justify a warrantless search, aiming to strengthen privacy protections under existing Fourth Amendment standards. The bill was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, but died in committee on February 4, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to restore the right to vote to Edward Carter, Sr., a resident of Claiborne County, Mississippi, who had lost his voting rights due to a 1998 embezzlement conviction. The legislation states that Carter has served his sentence and has behaved as a law-abiding citizen since his release in 1999. If passed, the act would officially reinstate his eligibility to participate in elections. The bill has not yet become law as it died in committee in May 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $329,091 from the state treasury to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Services for the fiscal year 2025. The funding authorizes two permanent staff positions and establishes strict rules to ensure money is used only for hiring new employees rather than raising salaries or changing job titles for current workers. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the agency give purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when buying goods or services and requires detailed financial record-keeping. These provisions aim to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency while supporting the board's administrative functions.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide death benefits to Mississippi law enforcement officers and firefighters who die or suffer fatal injuries while performing official duties. It increases the base death benefit payment to $150,000 and allows for an additional $25,000 per child, with a maximum total payout of $250,000, while also authorizing up to $15,000 for funeral expenses. The legislation creates a separate fund for training and equipment grants, directing any money remaining in the death benefits trust after maintaining a $4 million minimum balance to support enhanced training or safety gear for covered individuals.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $143,189 from the state treasury to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists for fiscal year 2025. The funding authorizes one permanent staff position and includes strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases, promotions, or replacing federal money. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the board give purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when buying goods or services and requires detailed financial record-keeping.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $286 million in state funds to cover the expenses of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for the fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes the hiring of specific permanent and time-limited positions while establishing strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions of current employees. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department cannot issue speed limit citations based on quotas and sets specific performance targets for enforcement activities, driver services, and forensic analysis.