Sen. Jeff Tate

Maddy summarySB 2424 increases the authorized days of paid annual military leave for Mississippi public employees who are members of the National Guard. The bill amends Section 33-1-21 to raise the current 21-day limit for paid leave during military training, though the specific new number is not stated in the provided text. It directly affects state, county, municipal, and other public sector employees serving in the National Guard, ensuring they retain pay, leave accrual, and job protection during extended training. The change takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to all qualifying public employers across Mississippi.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 35 is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Mississippi Senate's recognition and gratitude to Veterans OutReach of Mississippi. It honors the organization's service since 2009 in providing essential support - including spiritual guidance, clothing, furniture, and social events - to veterans residing in state veterans homes, particularly at Collins and Kosciusko facilities. The resolution acknowledges their role in addressing unmet needs while preserving veterans' dignity and working alongside nursing staff. This resolution does not create new policies, funding, or obligations; it solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 24) is a ceremonial recognition of Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native and winner of *American Idol* Season 23 (2025). It honors his performance of the national anthem at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, which the resolution states brought "honor to his home state and community." The resolution has no legal effect - it simply expresses the Senate’s pride in his cultural contributions as a soul/gospel singer and his representation of Mississippi. It does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends Aubrey Lynn Atchison, a Biloxi High School senior and softball player, for being named Youth Athlete of the Year at the 2025 State Games of Mississippi. It recognizes her athletic achievements - including a .636 batting average in the 2025 Games - and her resilience after overcoming multiple injuries. The resolution formally honors her contributions to sportsmanship and community, extending congratulations to her and her family. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 29 (SR 29) is a formal recognition from the Mississippi Senate commending Daniel Wile of Meridian as the State Games of Mississippi 2025 Male Athlete of the Year. The resolution highlights Wile’s athletic achievements, including his near-miss in the 2025 cycling event (00:55:14.76), his two prior State Games medals (1 gold/1 silver in cycling, 2 gold/2 silver in masters swimming), and his three Ironman race completions. It directly honors Wile for embodying the ideals of the State Games through participation and sportsmanship. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policies, but formally celebrates an individual’s athletic contributions to Mississippi’s statewide sporting events.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) commending Kaytelyn Harris of Quitman, Mississippi, as the 2025 State Games of Mississippi Female Athlete of the Year. It formally recognizes her achievements in disc golf, including back-to-back gold medals and her dedication as a single mom, and honors her contribution to the State Games' values of sportsmanship and community. The resolution was introduced by Senator Tate and will be presented to Harris and the State Games organization.

Maddy summarySB 2387 would allow individuals living within 15 miles of the Mississippi border (but residing in another state) to apply for Mississippi notary commissions, expanding eligibility beyond current Mississippi residents. It directly affects border residents in neighboring states who need notarial services near the border. The bill amends residency requirements in Mississippi law, keeping all other notary standards (like age, citizenship, $5,000 bond, and English proficiency) unchanged. This change would permit these border residents to perform notarial acts within Mississippi for the four-year commission term. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2405 requires registered lobbyists in Mississippi to disclose in their annual registration statements whether they represent a "foreign adversary" client. A "foreign adversary" is defined as a foreign government or entity designated as such by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. This disclosure would apply to all lobbyists working with clients meeting this definition, including foreign governments, political parties, or organizations based in adversarial nations. The bill amends existing lobbying disclosure laws to add this specific requirement, aiming to increase transparency around foreign influence efforts.

Maddy summarySB 2431 creates a scholarship program waiving tuition for Mississippi combat veterans at state universities and community colleges. It directly affects veterans who are Mississippi residents, honorably discharged, qualify for in-state tuition, and lack federal educational benefits, requiring either combat service (with a campaign medal) or a 10%+ service-connected disability. The program provides free tuition for "one month for each month served" in combat, covering up to four academic years annually, funded by a $500,000 yearly appropriation into the Combat Veteran Scholarship Fund. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and would have taken effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2430 would have amended Mississippi law to provide full-time Mississippi National Guard members with free resident lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. It requires applicants to submit current National Guard membership documentation to qualify, waiving the standard $500-$1,000 fee. The bill specifically affects active-duty Mississippi National Guard personnel, not other veterans or residents. It died in committee in February 2026 and never took effect, despite a planned July 1, 2026, implementation date.