Sen. Jeff Tate

Maddy summarySB 2599 authorizes the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration (acting for the Department of Public Safety) to sell a specific 8.85-acre property in Meridian (used as the Highway Safety Patrol's Troop H Headquarters and Driver Service Bureau) to Compass Datacenters JAN I, LLC. The bill requires the property to be sold at fair market value - determined by averaging two appraisals from Mississippi-licensed appraisers - and mandates that Compass Datacenters pay all closing costs. It also requires an accurate legal description in the sale deed and allows corrections to discrepancies in the property or buyer details. This bill directly affects the state's property management and Compass Datacenters as the buyer.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summarySB 3085 appropriates $4,663,433 from state funds to the Mississippi State Board of Public Contractors for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), covering operational expenses. It specifically allocates $1,293,775 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for 18 authorized staff positions, with strict rules prohibiting use for promotions, salary increases, or title changes for current employees. The bill requires the Board to comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensures funds cannot exceed the FY2027 appropriation for personnel costs without legislative approval. It also mandates detailed accounting records and prohibits using these funds to replace federal or other special funds.

Maddy summarySB 2272 exempts specific agricultural and logging items from Mississippi's 1.5% state sales tax, including livestock fencing materials and agricultural lime purchased by commercial farmers for farming use. The bill amends tax code sections to remove the 1.5% tax rate for these items and requires the Department of Revenue to create a permit application process for commercial farmers seeking the exemption. This directly affects commercial farmers buying qualifying materials, reducing their tax burden on essential farming supplies. The policy change is a concrete tax adjustment, not a new fee or mandate beyond the sales tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates former Mississippi State Senator Bobby Chamberlin on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The resolution recognizes his judicial career, including his service on the Mississippi Supreme Court and previous roles as a municipal judge and prosecutor. It also notes his confirmation by the U.S. Senate and includes a statement of support from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The resolution will be presented at Chamberlin's investiture ceremony and shared with the press.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends the West Lauderdale High School Knights Cheerleading Squad and Head Coach Courtney Smith for winning their second consecutive Mississippi High School Activities Association 4A State Championship. The resolution recognizes the squad's achievements in both Game Day and Traditional categories at the 2025 Universal Cheerleaders Association Magnolia Regional and highlights their teamwork, precision, and dedication. It formally presents the commendation to the head coach and school principal, with copies forwarded to the local school board and available to the press. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or regulatory effects.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends and congratulates the West Lauderdale High School Boys Cross Country Team for winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's third consecutive state title, highlighting individual achievements from runners like Hunter Walton and the coaching contributions of Paul Shelly and other staff members. The document serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Mississippi Senate to the students, coaches, and school administration for their athletic success.

Maddy summarySB 3097 appropriates $5,373,698 from the state general fund to cover the State Personnel Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds specifically support personnel costs, including employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled positions authorized as of June 2026. The bill restricts spending to prevent exceeding the budgeted amount for "Personal Services" and requires the Board to publish annual cost projections based on payroll data. It ensures no salary reductions below the Board's minimum standards and prohibits using general funds to replace other funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9,771,233 from the state General Fund and $1,673,699 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2027. It specifically restricts the use of these funds - requiring all "Personal Services" money (covering staff salaries, benefits, and approved vacancies) to stay within authorized headcount levels (113 permanent positions) and prohibiting salary increases for current employees. The funds must not be used for promotions, title changes, or replacing federal funds, and any new hires must utilize designated "Vacancy Funding" rather than increasing overall salary budgets. The commission must comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensure spending aligns with the approved budget for FY2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $219,128 from the state treasury to fund the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It directly affects the Board by providing dedicated funding for its operational expenses, including staff and administrative costs. The bill requires the Board to maintain detailed financial records matching those used in fiscal year 2026 and to submit its 2028 budget request in the same format as the 2027 request. It does not create new regulations for massage therapy but ensures continued funding and accountability for the existing Board.