Sen. Jeff Tate

Maddy summarySB 3021 appropriates $143,843 for the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists to cover its operational expenses during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifies that funds may only cover authorized personnel costs (including one permanent position) and strictly prohibit using them for salary increases, promotions, or replacing withdrawn federal funds. It requires the board to maintain detailed financial records matching its 2025 reporting standards and mandates compliance with state budget laws limiting expenditures to the appropriated amount. This is a procedural funding measure with no policy changes, intended solely to support the board’s existing administrative functions.

Maddy summarySB 3020 appropriates $330,143 from the state treasury to fund the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Services for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It authorizes two permanent staff positions for the board and strictly limits spending to prevent exceeding the budget, requiring agencies to use funds only for new hires - not salary increases or promotions. The bill mandates detailed accounting records matching 2025 standards and requires the board to prioritize purchases from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal. It also ensures funds comply with state budget laws and prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds.

Maddy summarySB 3036 is a funding bill that allocates $9,130,593 from the general fund and $1,607,810 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It authorizes 119 permanent staff positions and specifies how funds must be spent, including $75,000 for the Mississippi Council on Compulsive Gambling and restrictions on using funds for employee salary increases beyond approved budgets. The bill also requires the Commission to use specific portions of seized property and gaming control fees for law enforcement and investigations, while mandating detailed financial reporting to the legislature. This is a procedural budget measure with no new policy provisions, directly affecting the Gaming Commission’s operations and the nonprofit support organization.

Maddy summarySB 3025 appropriates $753,303 from the state treasury to cover the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifies that $42,000 must be used solely for investigations, testimony, and administrative hearings related to the board’s work, and includes restrictions on fund usage - such as prohibiting funds from replacing federal money or covering salary increases for current staff. It also directs the board to prioritize Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 125) formally recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Mississippi State Fire Academy. It honors the Academy's history since 1974, its role in training firefighters and emergency responders, and its contributions to public safety across Mississippi. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment presented to the Academy's leadership.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 118) expressing the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of John Wesley Johnson, a longtime Meridian TV news broadcaster and community leader. It commends his 32-year career at WTOK-TV, his service on local boards, and his contributions to journalism and education. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it serves as a formal tribute to honor his legacy. It was adopted by the Senate in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring former Mississippi House Speaker Pro Tempore Robert George Clark, Jr., who died on March 4, 2025. It extends the Legislature's sympathy to his family and recognizes his historic service as Mississippi's first African American legislator since Reconstruction (1967-2003), his leadership roles, and his advocacy for education and Mississippi's historical preservation. The resolution directs that it be presented to his family and forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. No policy changes or funding are involved.

Maddy summarySB 3128, the "STRONG Act," increases tax exemptions for Mississippi National Guard and Reserve members by amending income tax laws to exclude more of their military pay from taxable income. It also creates a program within the Mississippi Military Department to reimburse National Guard members for TRICARE Reserve Select health insurance costs. These changes directly affect Mississippi National Guard service members by reducing their tax burden and covering health insurance expenses. The bill aims to improve medical readiness, recruitment, and retention within the state's National Guard units.

Maddy summarySB 2526 amends Mississippi law to allow nonresident veterans who qualify for Yellow Ribbon Program funds (under Title 38 U.S. Code) but aren't covered by the Veterans Access Act of 2014 to pay in-state tuition rates at state colleges. It requires institutions participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program to use scholarship funds - including Yellow Ribbon Program money - to cover the full cost of tuition, ensuring these veterans pay the same rate as Mississippi residents. This change directly affects nonresident veterans with VA education benefits who currently face higher out-of-state tuition costs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and aligns with requirements for maintaining VA program approval.

Maddy summarySB 2515, the "REFOCUS Act," creates a Mississippi University System Efficiency Task Force to evaluate public universities' enrollment, graduation, and retention rates - especially for Mississippi residents - as well as demographic trends and funding. It directly affects all public universities and community colleges in Mississippi by requiring them to stop establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and to report on student/faculty fairness. The task force, composed of legislative leaders and university representatives, must develop efficiency recommendations for the legislature by December 2025, focusing on enrollment declines and demographic shifts. The bill died on the calendar in March 2025 and was never enacted.