Sen. Andy Berry

Maddy summaryThe Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pay pharmacies promptly for medications and establishes a process for pharmacies to appeal if payments are below agreed rates. It also bans PBMs and pharmacy services organizations (PSAOs) from restricting patient choice of pharmacy, spreading pricing, or retaliating against pharmacists who exercise rights under the law. The bill mandates that PBMs, PSAOs, drug manufacturers, and health insurers report pricing and contract details to the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, which will publish this information online for transparency. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacists, PBMs, PSAOs, and health insurers operating in Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2142 extends an existing sales tax exemption for Mississippi's Toughest Kids Foundation, which operates Camp Kamassa in Copiah County. The bill amends state tax law to delay the expiration date of the exemption, allowing the foundation to continue purchasing tangible personal property and services (for camp construction, equipment, and facilities) without paying sales tax. This change directly affects the foundation by maintaining its tax-free purchasing ability for camp-related items. The exemption was originally scheduled to end but is now extended through the bill's amendment to Section 27-65-111.

Maddy summarySB 2883 authorizes Mississippi counties with welcome centers to receive state grants to pay for staffing using county employees (not state employees). The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will administer a new "Welcome Centers Staff Grant Program," providing funds to cover staffing costs like employee compensation. Counties must submit detailed budget plans for staffing needs, and grants can only be used for these expenses, funded through a dedicated state special fund that doesn’t expire annually. The bill requires MDA to report yearly on grant usage and effectiveness, though it died in committee in March 2025.

Maddy summarySR 65 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate to honor Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., who died in the line of duty on February 23, 2025. The resolution extends the Senate's "sincerest sympathy" to his surviving family - including his wife, daughter, and parents - and commends his law enforcement career. It has no policy provisions or financial impact; it is purely symbolic, expressing condolences and acknowledging his service. The Senate formally adopted the resolution on February 27, 2025, and will present it to his family and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office.

Maddy summarySB 3116 would have allocated $2 million from Mississippi's General Fund for paving and infrastructure improvements on the Longleaf Trace during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill provided a specific funding mechanism, directing the State Treasurer to pay the funds upon proper requisitions. This procedural appropriation bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law. It directly affected the Longleaf Trace project by authorizing funding for its infrastructure work.

Maddy summarySB 3148 appropriated $45,000 from the State General Fund to the Town of Monticello, Mississippi, to cover construction costs for a retaining wall at Cooper's Ferry Park along the Pearl River, for fiscal year 2026. This procedural bill, which died in committee on February 26, 2025, directly affected Monticello by providing funding for a specific infrastructure project.

Maddy summarySB 3120 appropriated $214,450 from Mississippi's General Fund to the Town of Bassfield for water well repairs, renovations, and upgrades during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affected Bassfield's municipal infrastructure by funding specific physical improvements to its water well system. Key provisions included the exact funding amount, payment through the State Treasurer, and a fiscal year timeframe. The bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee but died there on February 26, 2025, and did not advance further.

Maddy summarySB 3135 proposed a $750,000 appropriation from Mississippi's General Fund to the City of Mendenhall for field improvements and lighting upgrades at its sports complex during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill would have directly funded the city’s infrastructure project without creating new state policy. It specified that funds would be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. The bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee but died there on February 26, 2025, meaning it did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 3118 is a funding bill that would have allocated $1,002,750 from Mississippi's General Fund to the City of Crystal Springs for constructing toilet facilities at the Chautauqua Amphitheater during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically directs state funds to cover construction costs at this public venue, with no policy changes or broader implications. It died in committee on February 26, 2025, and never became law. This was a straightforward appropriations measure with no legislative debate or policy substance beyond the funding request.

Maddy summarySB 3147 proposed appropriating $80,000 from the Mississippi State General Fund to the Town of Monticello for building improvements. The funds were intended to cover costs for a purchased building to serve as City Hall, a police department annex, and courtroom space during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.