Sen. Rod Hickman

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $50,000 from the State General Fund to Kemper County for improvements, upgrades, and renovations to the Kemper Springs Community Center during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It directly affects Kemper County by providing state funding for physical upgrades to this specific community facility. The bill is purely procedural, authorizing the payment of funds without creating new policies or affecting any population group.

Maddy summarySB 3372 appropriates $500,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to Noxubee County for courthouse renovations during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds are intended to cover renovation costs directly for Noxubee County's courthouse facilities. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements or broad-reaching impacts beyond the specified project and timeframe.

Maddy summarySB 3375 appropriates $400,000 from the State General Fund to Kemper County for the purchase of a new firetruck, specifically for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly affects Kemper County’s fire department by funding a new vehicle to replace or supplement existing equipment. It is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions or requirements beyond the specified appropriation. The funds will be disbursed through standard state fiscal processes upon county request.

Maddy summarySB 3368 appropriates $250,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Town of Marion for construction costs of a new city hall during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds will be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions, directly supporting Marion's infrastructure project. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no policy changes or broader implications beyond covering the city hall construction expenses for the specified fiscal period.

Maddy summarySB 3374 allocates $500,000 from the Mississippi State General Fund to the City of Louisville for renovating and revitalizing the Strand Theater during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly affects the City of Louisville by providing funding for specific infrastructure work at the Strand Theater. It includes no new regulations or policy changes, only a one-time state appropriation for a defined project. The funds will be disbursed via standard state fiscal processes upon city requisition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 42) is a ceremonial tribute expressing the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Donna Jill Johnson, Meridian’s first Republican Circuit Clerk elected in Mississippi history. It honors her 32-year service to Lauderdale County and the state, noting her integrity, community involvement, and passing at age 80 on February 5, 2026. The resolution does not create any new laws or policies - it solely offers a formal expression of sympathy and recognition of her public service. It directly affects her surviving family members and colleagues, acknowledging her legacy without any legislative impact.

Maddy summarySB 2799 revises Mississippi's penalties for witness tampering by setting fines and imprisonment at 50% of the maximum authorized for the underlying crime (the "subject offense"). It defines the "subject offense" as either the main crime being prosecuted or the crime a witness is being pressured to cover up. The bill applies to anyone convicted of intentionally intimidating, threatening, or inducing a witness to withhold testimony or provide false information in official proceedings. This change reduces potential penalties but maintains a 15-year maximum jail term for convictions. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 24) is a ceremonial recognition of Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native and winner of *American Idol* Season 23 (2025). It honors his performance of the national anthem at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, which the resolution states brought "honor to his home state and community." The resolution has no legal effect - it simply expresses the Senate’s pride in his cultural contributions as a soul/gospel singer and his representation of Mississippi. It does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySB 2081 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/parole. It directly affects people with nonviolent felony convictions who have finished their sentences, excluding those classified as violent under Mississippi law or designated as violent by a judge. The bill defines "nonviolent felony" as any felony not listed in Section 97-3-2(1) or labeled violent at sentencing. It does not require court approval for the five-year waiting period, though existing rehabilitation certificates remain an option. The bill was introduced but died in committee in February 2026, so it has not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2095 would prohibit law enforcement officers in Mississippi from conducting warrantless searches of homes, vehicles, or private property based solely on the odor of marijuana. It explicitly states that smelling marijuana alone cannot establish probable cause for such searches, requiring officers to have additional evidence. The bill would have applied to all state law enforcement and taken effect July 1, 2026. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.