Sen. Rod Hickman

Maddy summarySB 3052 appropriates $3,223,525 from the State General Fund and $638,140 from Special Funds to cover expenses for the Governor's Office, staff, and operation of the Governor's Mansion during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill authorizes 46 positions (39 permanent, 7 time-limited) for the Governor's Office and requires adherence to standard accounting and reporting practices. It also mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement when bids are equal. This is a routine funding measure with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 71 pays tribute to Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, a pioneering journalist and former Jackson State University acting president who passed away on March 5, 2026. The resolution formally recognizes her historic contributions as the first African American woman to serve as an anchor, producer, and reporter at WJTV-12, and honors her decades of leadership in education, public service, and media advocacy. It directs that the resolution be presented to her surviving family and shared with Jackson State University and the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes and congratulates 25 high school and middle school coaches from across Mississippi who have been selected for the 2025-2026 Tomorrow's 25 Coaching Fellowship program. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of these individuals' selection by the Mississippi Association of Coaches and the Mississippi High School Activities Association. The resolution lists all 25 selected coaches by name and their respective school districts, noting that this cohort marks the 100th group of coaches to participate in the fellowship since its inception. The document expresses the Senate's appreciation for the coaches' leadership and commitment to developing student-athletes and strengthening school communities.

Maddy summarySB 3086 appropriates $200,296 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Veterinary Examiners to cover its operational expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill provides funding for the board’s existing administrative costs and requires it to maintain detailed financial records comparable to its 2026 reporting. This is a routine budgetary measure affecting only the veterinary board’s operations, with no new regulations or direct impact on the public or animal owners.

Maddy summarySB 3083 appropriates $473,712 for the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors to cover its operating expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically allocates $141,750 to update and maintain the board’s Licensing Management System and technology initiatives. It requires the board to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY2026 standards and submit comparable budget requests to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for FY2028. The funding must comply with state procurement rules, including preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions. This is a procedural funding bill with no direct policy changes for counselors or the public.

Maddy summarySB 3080 appropriates $147,459 for the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists to cover its operational expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). Of this, $105,862 is specifically designated for "Personal Services," covering salaries, wages, and benefits for one authorized permanent employee position. The bill restricts these funds to personnel costs only, prohibiting use for promotions, salary increases, or filling new positions without additional legislative approval. It requires strict adherence to Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and mandates detailed financial reporting for compliance.

Maddy summarySB 3077 appropriates $369,241 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Advisory Committee to cover expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically allocates $186,280 for personnel costs, including employee salaries and benefits, while restricting spending to authorized staff positions (2 permanent roles) and prohibiting salary reductions below state minimums. It requires strict budget adherence, limits "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled positions (not for raises or promotions), and mandates detailed financial reporting to the legislature. The bill ensures funds are used solely for the committee’s operational needs without exceeding appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 3084 appropriates $769,829 for Mississippi's State Board of Public Accountancy to cover its fiscal year 2027 expenses (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $496,104 for staff salaries and benefits for five permanent positions, with strict rules preventing budget overruns or using these funds for promotions. An additional $42,000 is earmarked exclusively for investigations, testimony, and administrative hearings related to the board's work. The bill ensures compliance with state salary plans and requires detailed financial reporting for transparency.

Maddy summarySB 2543 enacts Mississippi's participation in the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice across participating states more easily. The bill creates a shared system where licensees pass a uniform national exam (ADEX) and maintain one set of documents for streamlined licensure in multiple states, eliminating duplicate fees. It specifically waives application fees for military members and their spouses seeking licensure in new states. Each participating state retains full authority to regulate dental practice within its borders while sharing information to protect public safety.

Maddy summarySB 2704 creates a new option for professional and trade associations in Mississippi (like groups of doctors, lawyers, plumbers, or electricians) to offer self-funded health plans regulated by another state or federal authority, rather than Mississippi’s insurance laws. These plans must meet specific requirements, including operating for three years without insurance as their primary purpose, being nonprofit, and maintaining proper reserves. The bill requires clear written notices to members that these plans are not regulated by Mississippi’s Insurance Department, not covered by the state’s guaranty association, and have no state oversight on costs or benefits. This provides additional health coverage choices for association members while exempting these plans from most Mississippi insurance regulations.