Sen. Jeff Tate

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) recognizing Senator Angela Turner Ford for receiving the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) 2024 Legislative Champion Award. It formally commends her advocacy for adult education in Mississippi, citing her support during National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and her role as a keynote speaker for a High School Equivalency ceremony. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any programs or individuals beyond honoring the Senator. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on March 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences, not a policy bill. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's sympathy to Jeanne Luckey's surviving family (including her husband, daughters, and grandchildren) and commends her community service and public roles. Specifically, it honors her work as Mississippi's Republican National Committee Woman, President of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, and her advocacy for disability access during her service on the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 524), not a policy bill. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to Jimmy Carter's family and commends his life, public service, and legacy following his passing. The resolution details his presidency (1977-1981), key achievements like the Camp David Accords, and post-presidency work through the Carter Center. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it is solely a symbolic gesture of remembrance. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi Legislature on March 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 71) is a symbolic gesture by the Mississippi Senate to honor the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance (MSA) for 15 years of cultural work. It recognizes MSA's achievements, including hosting over 150 festivals, creating the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame, running education programs in schools, and providing songwriting therapy for veterans. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds; it solely serves as a formal acknowledgment of MSA's contributions to Mississippi's music heritage. The Senate will present this resolution to the Alliance and forward it to the Mississippi Arts Commission.

Maddy summarySB 2434 allows Mississippi counties and municipalities to form agreements with U.S. military branches to provide services supporting military bases within the state, such as maintenance or security. These agreements must align with federal law under the National Defense Authorization Act (10 U.S.C. § 2679). The bill directly affects local governments and military installations by enabling formal partnerships for operational support. It creates a legal pathway for communities to collaborate with bases but does not establish new services or funding.

Maddy summarySB 2562 increases the fee paid to circuit clerks and deputies for each day they attend court sessions from an unspecified prior amount to $85.00 per day, with counties covering this cost. This change directly affects county governments, which must now pay this higher fee for clerk and deputy attendance during circuit court terms. The bill modifies existing fee structure (Section 25-7-13) to set this specific daily rate, effective July 1, 2025. It does not alter other court fees or services, focusing solely on the compensation for court attendance time.

Maddy summarySB 3023 appropriates $378,324 from state funds to cover the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission's (MVC) operating expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It authorizes 3 permanent staff positions and strictly limits fund usage to cover salaries for new hires or vacancies - not raises for current employees - while requiring the MVC to maintain detailed financial records. The bill also mandates that purchases prioritize Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds. This is a funding bill focused solely on the MVC's budget, with no policy changes beyond financial oversight.

Maddy summarySB 3019 appropriates $363,967 in state funds to the Mississippi State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Advisory Committee for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill directly affects the Board by funding its operational expenses, including authorization for two permanent staff positions. Key provisions include strict limits on personnel spending to prevent salary increases for current employees and require compliance with existing budget rules, such as not exceeding prior-year funding without legislative approval. It also mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions and requires detailed financial record-keeping. As a procedural funding bill, it does not create new policies but allocates resources for the Board’s existing operations.

Maddy summarySB 3022 appropriates $199,100 in state funds to cover the operational expenses of the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill requires the board to maintain detailed financial records comparable to those from fiscal year 2025 and directs that future budget requests follow similar formatting. This procedural funding measure directly supports the board’s administrative functions and has been enacted into law.

Maddy summarySB 2444 establishes a scholarship program providing free tuition at Mississippi state universities and community colleges for eligible veterans. To qualify, veterans must be Mississippi residents, honorably discharged, qualify for in-state tuition, not receive federal education benefits, and either have served in a combat zone with a campaign medal or have a service-connected disability rated at 10% or higher. The program covers one month of tuition for each month of qualifying service, with a minimum of one academic year and maximum of four years of coverage. Funding is limited to $500,000 annually through the newly created Combat Veteran Scholarship Fund.