Sen. Jeff Tate

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $11 million from state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Gaming Commission for the 2025 fiscal year. The funding supports a permanent staff of 120 employees and includes specific rules to prevent salary increases for current workers, ensuring that new hires do not displace existing positions. Additionally, the legislation directs $75,000 to the Mississippi Council on Compulsive Gambling and establishes performance targets for regulating riverboat casinos and charitable bingo halls. The bill also mandates that the agency give preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods and services.

Maddy summaryThe SAFER Act establishes new state laws in Mississippi that require public schools and universities to maintain separate restrooms, changing facilities, and student housing spaces for males and females. Under this legislation, these areas must be designated exclusively for one sex or configured as single-occupant or family-use rooms with secure locks to ensure privacy. The law also restricts entry into these spaces, allowing access only for specific reasons such as assisting young children, responding to emergencies, or performing official government duties. Additionally, the bill defines terms like "female" and "male" based solely on biological sex determined at birth and mandates that social fraternities and sororities on public land adhere to these single-sex housing definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $143,189 from the state treasury to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists for fiscal year 2025. The funding authorizes one permanent staff position and includes strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases, promotions, or replacing federal money. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the board give purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when buying goods or services and requires detailed financial record-keeping.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $5,374,870 in state funding to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi State Personnel Board for fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes the hiring of 46 permanent staff members and establishes strict rules to ensure that these funds are used only to fill vacant positions rather than for salary increases, promotions, or title changes for current employees. It also mandates that the Board publish projected payroll costs and requires written approval from the Department of Finance and Administration before any salary escalations can occur. Additionally, the bill includes a preference for purchasing goods from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and requires the agency to maintain detailed financial records.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services and the Wireless Communication Commission for the 2025 fiscal year. It authorizes the hiring of 132 permanent staff positions for the IT department and 10 for the Wireless Communication Commission, while establishing strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions of existing employees. The legislation also permits a limited transfer of up to $750,000 to help manage cash flow within the IT department's revolving fund and requires that all contracts follow state procurement laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that public secondary schools in Mississippi establish and maintain driver education and training programs starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The curriculum must include classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction covering topics such as distracted driving, alcohol and drug safety, organ donation, litter laws, and how to respond to law enforcement stops. Students enrolled in these courses will not need a learner's permit or driver's license to participate, and upon completion, they will receive a certificate sent to the Department of Public Safety. Additionally, the bill requires the state to report annual crash and fatality statistics, particularly for teenage drivers, and allows the Department of Public Safety to create rules for drivers under 18 during their first year of licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Mississippi Department of Revenue to issue special license tags featuring the phrase "In God We Trust" for a fee of $30 per vehicle. The revenue generated from these tags is distributed among specific organizations, including the American Family Association, the Mississippi Burn Care Fund, and the State Highway Fund. Additionally, the legislation reauthorizes and expands the issuance of distinctive tags to supporters of various local schools, foundations, and interest groups such as the Mississippi Hunting Dog Association and the New Orleans Pelicans. Vehicle owners must pay an extra fee annually to retain these tags, with proceeds going directly to the designated recipients rather than general state revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates over $180 million in state funds to cover the general expenses and operations of the Mississippi National Guard for fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes the hiring of specific permanent and time-limited positions while prohibiting the use of general funds to replace federal salary support. Additionally, the bill directs money toward specific programs and facilities, including support for the Youth Challenge Program, the Armed Forces Military Museum, and renovations at the Southaven Armory and Youth Challenge Academy. It also establishes procedures for transferring funds to meet federal grant requirements and mandates a preference for purchasing goods from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal.