Sen. Rod Hickman

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the right to vote to Lawrence Daniels of Lowndes County, Mississippi, who was previously disqualified from voting in 2002 due to a felony conviction for grand larceny. The legislation formally recognizes that Daniels completed all terms of his sentence, including probation and incarceration, and has since lived as a law-abiding citizen. If passed, the law takes effect on July 1, 2026, allowing Daniels to register and vote in future elections. The measure is a specific restoration of voting rights for one individual rather than a broad change to voting laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $909,689 from the State General Fund to cover the Mississippi Ethics Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It authorizes six permanent staff positions and requires the Commission to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY 2026 standards. The bill also mandates that the Commission prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and permits insurance purchases for agency vehicles. It does not change ethics laws or create new policies - it solely provides funding and administrative guidelines for the Commission's existing operations.

Maddy summarySB 3069 appropriates $6,391,102 from the State General Fund to cover the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $25,000 for the Second Injury Fund and sets detailed spending limits for "Personal Services," including salaries for key roles: Commission Chairman ($142,200), Members ($137,800), and Administrative Law Judges ($132,900). The bill restricts how funds can be used, requiring strict adherence to headcount limits and prohibiting transfers to other budget categories, with oversight by the State Personnel Board to ensure compliance with salary and staffing rules. This is a funding measure for the Commission's existing operations, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySB 3067 appropriates $165 million from the State General Fund and $111 million from the State Treasury to fund the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It allocates $153 million specifically for "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and benefits) to cover 1,751 authorized positions (1,685 permanent and 66 time-limited). The bill requires that "Vacancy Funding" be used only to fill unfilled positions - not for raises, promotions, or salary increases - and mandates strict budget adherence, with the State Personnel Board monitoring compliance to prevent overspending. This funding ensures the department can operate within its allocated budget while maintaining staffing levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $891,741 from the State General Fund and $27,268 from the State Treasury to cover the Commission on Judicial Performance's expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It authorizes six permanent staff positions, caps the director’s salary at chancellor-level pay (Mississippi Code §25-3-35), and requires detailed financial reporting. Additionally, $140,000 is specifically allocated to hire an attorney to audit and monitor Youth Courts operations. The bill funds existing commission operations without creating new policy, directly affecting the commission’s staffing and oversight capabilities.

Maddy summarySB 2898 directs the State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer to transfer $20 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund upon the bill's effective date. This technical amendment reallocates existing state funds without creating new programs or changing eligibility for disaster assistance. The transfer affects state budget accounting by moving money between two designated funds (Fund No. 6499C00000 to Fund No. 3372500000) to support disaster response resources. The bill has no direct impact on citizens or businesses but modifies how state funds are allocated. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2378 increases the fee court reporters can charge for transcripts from $4.00 to $5.00 per page. It requires reporters to format documents using practical font and spacing to minimize printed pages, directly affecting court reporters and parties ordering transcripts (like litigants or attorneys). The fee change takes effect July 1, 2026. This bill modifies existing billing rules without altering transcript content or legal procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally congratulates Yasmine Ware of Madison, Mississippi, on being selected as a 2025 Harry S. Truman Scholar. The resolution recognizes her academic achievements, leadership roles, and commitment to public service, including her work founding Yasmine's Warehouse and her internships with federal agencies. It also notes that the Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate study and is one of 54 such awards given nationwide each year. The bill directs that the resolution be presented to Ware and her family and made available to the Capitol press corps.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that formally commends Mrs. Nora Roberts Miller for her distinguished leadership as President of Mississippi University for Women. It recognizes her 30-year career in higher education and her contributions to the state, particularly highlighting her role as the institution's fifteenth and first alumna president. The resolution notes specific achievements during her tenure, including enrollment growth and favorable student outcomes, and directs that copies of the commendation be presented to her and made available to the press. This is a ceremonial measure with no changes to laws or policies, serving only to honor her retirement and service.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.