Maddy summarySB 2422 allows Mississippi's Adjutant General to transfer state-owned property to counties, cities, or other local governments for exclusive use by a nonprofit organization that benefits the Mississippi Military Department or veterans. This bill amends existing law to explicitly permit such property transfers when they serve the best interests of military or veteran programs. The key provision expands the Adjutant General's authority to convey real property to local entities for nonprofit use, rather than restricting transfers to government agencies or educational institutions. The change would directly affect local governments, nonprofits serving veterans, and the state's military operations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2018 creates the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program, which reimburses actively drilling Mississippi National Guard members for their Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The program applies to members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select coverage who are not covered by another employer, with reimbursements paid at the current "Tricare Reserve Select - Member only" rate. The Adjutant General administers the program, requiring legislative funding each year and annual reports starting in 2026 to assess its impact on medical readiness and participation. This policy directly affects National Guard members by reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, aiming to support retention and readiness.
Maddy summarySB 2668, the "Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act of 2026" (PLUS Act), regulates paid assistance with veterans' benefit claims in Mississippi. It prohibits charging fees for such services unless the veteran signs a waiver acknowledging they’re within the one-year post-discharge period and choosing to deny free VA services. The bill requires written agreements with clear fee terms (capped at 5x monthly benefit increase or $12,500), bans upfront fees, mandates a specific disclosure about free VA services, and prohibits using veterans’ personal data without consent. It directly affects veterans seeking claim assistance and businesses/individuals offering paid services, while exempting VA-accredited representatives. Violations can result in civil penalties under Mississippi’s Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Mississippi public schools to incorporate financial literacy into the curriculum for grades 6-8 starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It also mandates that all high school students pass either a half-credit personal finance course or a full-credit course where at least half focuses on financial literacy to graduate, beginning with the 2032 graduating class. The law directly affects all Mississippi public schools (including charter schools) and students in grades 6-12. It amends existing education law to formalize these requirements, focusing on practical financial skills like budgeting and credit management.
Maddy summarySB 2292 requires all Mississippi public and charter schools to teach civics courses starting in 8th grade and before 12th grade, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. The bill mandates instruction on U.S. and Mississippi constitutions, government structures (including federalism and separation of powers), historical context, critical thinking skills, and civil discourse. The State Department of Education will develop and update curriculum standards to align with current civics scholarship, renaming existing U.S. Government courses to "United States Government and Civics." This policy directly affects all K-12 students and school staff in Mississippi's public and charter schools.
Maddy summarySB 2766 designates the Friday before Memorial Day each year as "Buddy Poppy Day" in Mississippi to honor the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)’s official memorial flower, which commemorates fallen service members. The bill has no policy or funding provisions - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing the VFW’s tradition without creating new requirements or affecting any group. It takes effect immediately upon passage, as noted in its recent legislative actions.
Maddy summarySB 2386 prohibits Mississippi circuit court judges from allowing any political candidate to address the public during court sessions. It directly affects circuit court judges (who may no longer facilitate such speeches) and all political candidates (who are barred from speaking in court settings during terms). The key provision, stated in Section 1, bans judges from providing "any opportunity for any political candidate to address the public during court terms." This bill updates existing law (Section 23-15-973) to extend this prohibition broadly to all candidates, not just judicial office seekers. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 3190 would exempt retail sales of firearm safes from Mississippi's state sales tax. This means consumers purchasing firearm safes would no longer pay the 7% state sales tax on these items. The bill amends Section 27-65-111 of the Mississippi Code to add firearm safes to the existing list of tax-exempt items, such as medical supplies and educational materials. This change directly affects firearm safety retailers and consumers who buy safes for home or business storage.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 is a symbolic resolution expressing Mississippi's support for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It does not create new laws or programs but formally encourages the state to support U.S.-Taiwan trade (noting $201.1 billion in 2025 trade), advocate for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO, and establish a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan. The resolution also supports a U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement and counters efforts by China to limit Taiwan's global engagement. As a non-binding expression of support, it directly affects Mississippi's diplomatic posture but does not impose new obligations or changes to existing policies.
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.