Sen. Andy Berry

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Milton Williams, Jr. for receiving the Northern Region Special Agent Citation. It recognizes his law enforcement career and community leadership, including founding the nonprofit organizations Men United and Women United to support youth in the Mississippi Delta. The resolution also highlights his family legacy in law enforcement and his service as a mentor and public servant. This is a ceremonial document that does not create new laws or change policy.

Maddy summarySB 2399 removes a prohibition preventing Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) from providing security at two specific locations: the Mississippi Department of Agriculture building at 121 North Jefferson Street and the New Farmers Market Building at High and Jefferson Streets in Jackson. The bill authorizes DPS to post security personnel, conduct regular vehicle patrols, and respond to security system alarms at these properties. This change directly affects the Department of Agriculture's operations at these facilities by enabling DPS to provide security services there. The amendment updates existing law to permit these security measures, which were previously restricted.

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 2809 allows Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau officers to keep the personal firearm they were officially issued during their service upon retirement. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 45-9-133 to explicitly permit these officers to retain one issued sidearm as personal property when retiring for reasons like age or disability. This change applies only to firearms provided by the bureau during their employment, not personal weapons. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2436 requires Mississippi's wildlife agency (MDWFP) to manage black bear hunting through a formal season starting in 2027-2028. It mandates that all hunters - residents first (from 2027-2028) and nonresidents later (from 2032-2033) - must obtain a special "harvest tag" via a lottery system, based on population data. The bill limits nonresident tags to 10% of annual allocations and reserves one annual "Governor's Tag" for auction to fund bear habitat conservation. This directly affects hunters and establishes a structured, data-driven approach to bear population management.

Maddy summarySB 2963 appropriates $2,189,500 from Mississippi’s General Fund to the City of Crystal Springs for construction costs of the Chautauqua Amphitheater, including its stage, during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly affects the City of Crystal Springs by providing state funding for a specific public infrastructure project. It authorizes the State Treasurer to disburse funds upon proper requisitions, with no new policy or regulatory changes beyond the financial allocation. This is a procedural funding bill with no broader legislative impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from Mississippi's General Fund to Mississippi's Toughest Kids Foundation for construction and facility upgrades at Camp Kamassa in Copiah County for fiscal year 2027. The funds cover design, building, furnishing, and equipping related to Camp Kamassa's facilities. The bill specifies these funds are intended to serve as matching funds for federal programs. It directly affects the foundation and Camp Kamassa, which appears to be a youth-focused facility.

Maddy summarySB 2968 allocates $400,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Town of Georgetown for a fire station project during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funding directly supports Georgetown’s efforts to build or maintain a fire station, covering associated costs like construction or equipment. The bill specifies that funds will be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions, with the appropriation taking effect July 1, 2026. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions or broader implications beyond the specified fire station project.

Maddy summarySB 3212 appropriates $1.34 million from Mississippi's General Fund to the Town of Wesson for fiscal year 2027. The funds directly support three specific projects: road rehabilitation and resurfacing, purchasing remote water meter equipment for the town's water system, and acquiring a police vehicle. This bill provides state funding for these local infrastructure and public safety needs without creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 2975 appropriates $2,000,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), specifically to fund paving and infrastructure improvements on the Longleaf Trace. This procedural bill directly provides funding for a defined infrastructure project without creating new laws or affecting broader policies. The funds will be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions, effective July 1, 2026.