Sen. Rod Hickman

Maddy summarySB 3085 appropriates $4,663,433 from state funds to the Mississippi State Board of Public Contractors for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), covering operational expenses. It specifically allocates $1,293,775 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for 18 authorized staff positions, with strict rules prohibiting use for promotions, salary increases, or title changes for current employees. The bill requires the Board to comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensures funds cannot exceed the FY2027 appropriation for personnel costs without legislative approval. It also mandates detailed accounting records and prohibits using these funds to replace federal or other special funds.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution recognizes the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Mu Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the University of Southern Mississippi. The bill formally acknowledges the chapter's history, which began in 1976 when 16 undergraduate students were initiated as charter members. It highlights the fraternity's broader legacy as a service organization founded by African American men and its contributions to the community. The resolution is presented to the fraternity chapter and the Capitol Press Corps for distribution, serving as an official commemorative gesture rather than establishing new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Maxwell on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The document recognizes his extensive legal career, including his service on the state Supreme Court from 2016 to 2025 and his prior appointment to the Mississippi Court of Appeals. It also notes his academic background, professional leadership roles in legal organizations, and community involvement. The resolution will be presented at his investiture ceremony and shared with the public and media.

Maddy summarySB 2041 directs Mississippi's Department of Corrections (MDOC) to conduct a study on dyslexia prevalence among inmates. The study requires MDOC to screen inmates using approved methods, collect anonymized demographic and educational data, and analyze links between dyslexia, educational background, disciplinary records, and recidivism. All data must comply with privacy laws (HIPAA/FERPA), and inmates can opt out without penalty. MDOC must submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2026, including findings and recommendations for potential educational or rehabilitation programs. This bill does not create new programs or funding but authorizes a data-gathering study affecting all inmates under MDOC jurisdiction.

Maddy summarySB 2360 requires Mississippi's Secretary of State to create a public registry of private companies working as contractors for government entities under the Tort Claims Act. These companies must register with the Secretary of State and display notice on their websites and materials that they are subject to the Tort Claims Act. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2026, creating a temporary registry system for transparency. It directly affects private contractors working with state or local government agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $219,128 from the state treasury to fund the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It directly affects the Board by providing dedicated funding for its operational expenses, including staff and administrative costs. The bill requires the Board to maintain detailed financial records matching those used in fiscal year 2026 and to submit its 2028 budget request in the same format as the 2027 request. It does not create new regulations for massage therapy but ensures continued funding and accountability for the existing Board.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $690,254 from the state general fund to cover the operational costs of Mississippi's Board of Tax Appeals for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically designates $609,399 for staff salaries and benefits, limiting the board to six permanent employees. The bill requires strict adherence to this budget, prohibits using funds for non-salary purposes like promotions, and mandates detailed financial reporting to ensure compliance with state personnel salary standards. It does not change tax laws or policies but provides funding for the board's administrative operations.

Maddy summarySB 3082 appropriates $384,213 for the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission's operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $274,515 for "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and benefits) to cover 3 permanent staff positions, with strict rules prohibiting fund transfers to other categories or exceeding the budget. The bill requires the commission to comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensures funds are used only for authorized staff positions, not promotions or salary increases for current employees. This is a procedural funding measure with no new policy changes, directly affecting the Motor Vehicle Commission’s staffing budget.

Maddy summarySB 3078 appropriates $12,545,602 for Mississippi's Department of Banking and Consumer Finance for fiscal year 2027, primarily funding employee salaries and benefits. The bill specifies that $9,001,454 must be used exclusively for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) for 86 authorized positions, with strict rules preventing the use of these funds for promotions, salary increases, or replacing federal funds. It requires the department to maintain detailed financial records and ensures no salary reductions below state personnel board minimums, while prohibiting excess spending beyond the allocated budget.

Maddy summarySB 3079 appropriates $362,604 from the state treasury to fund the State Board of Funeral Services for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically allocates $139,251 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) to cover two permanent staff positions, with strict rules prohibiting use for employee raises or promotions. It requires the agency to maintain detailed financial records matching FY2026 standards and mandates that any future funding requests for FY2028 must align with current appropriations unless new positions are approved by the legislature. This is a procedural budget measure with no policy changes to funeral service regulations.