Sen. Andy Berry

Maddy summarySB 2786 allows Mississippi water districts to dissolve if a majority of landowners (excluding state-owned lands) sign and file a petition with the local court. The court would then publish a notice for three weeks, hold a hearing, and decide whether dissolution serves the landowners' best interests. If approved, the district dissolves, and its commissioners may reorganize as a water association under Mississippi's nonprofit corporation law. The bill also updates related rules for handling the district's assets and liabilities during dissolution.

Maddy summarySB 2884 creates a 12-member study committee to examine eliminating ad valorem (property) taxes on real estate and finding replacement revenue sources. The committee must review how property taxes fund local governments (counties, cities, schools), assess cost savings from ending tax collection, evaluate impacts on state funding, and explore alternative revenue methods. It is required to submit final recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026, with the committee dissolving by January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects local governments that rely on property tax revenue and aims to inform potential legislative changes to the tax system.

Maddy summarySB 2891 requires municipalities seeking to annex unincorporated territory to hold an election within that specific area, where only residents of the proposed annexation zone can vote. The annexation requires approval by 50% plus one of all voters in the election, and the municipality must pay all election costs. The bill also changes appeal procedures, requiring municipalities to cover attorney fees and court costs if they challenge election results in court. It repeals a prior requirement that annexation petitions be filed directly in chancery court. This bill directly affects residents in proposed annexation zones and municipalities pursuing boundary changes.

Maddy summarySB 2913 would have allowed Native wineries and distilleries in Mississippi to ship their products directly to in-state residents without using the state's Alcohol Beverage Control Division. It expanded existing permits to cover up to two additional tasting rooms (requiring a separate permit for each) and clarified that the 24.5% markup rule does not apply to on-site retailer pickups. The bill required clear labeling for shipments, annual sales reporting, and record-keeping for three years, while prohibiting shipments to counties still under dry laws. It also set age requirements (21+) for purchases, mandated signature verification for delivery, and included penalties for violations like fines up to $1,000 per offense.

Maddy summarySB 2036 is an appropriations bill that allocates $56.99 million from general funds and $25.85 million from special funds for the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) during fiscal year 2026. It covers DOR operations - including the Homestead Exemption Division, Motor Vehicle Comptroller, Alcohol Beverage Control, and Enforcement Division - and reimburses counties and school districts for tax losses due to homestead exemptions. The bill restricts $44.92 million of the total to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits), requiring strict adherence to headcount limits and salary caps set by the State Personnel Board. This funding ensures DOR can maintain essential services while preventing overspending on personnel costs.

Maddy summarySB 2012 appropriates $138 million in state funds and $1.8 million in special funds for Mississippi's Department of Employment Security to cover its operational costs during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill specifically allocates $30 million for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits for employees), with strict rules prohibiting diversion of these funds to other purposes or exceeding budgeted headcount levels. It also designates $138 million from the Unemployment Trust Fund to support One-Stop Career Centers and unemployment compensation administration, including staffing, technology, and accessibility improvements. This funding bill directly affects the department’s budget and staffing operations but does not change eligibility rules or program benefits.

Maddy summarySB 2020 appropriates $378,795 for the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors to cover operational expenses during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It authorizes two permanent staff positions and allocates $100,000 specifically for updating the board’s Licensing Management System. The bill requires the board to maintain detailed financial records matching 2025 standards and comply with state budget laws prohibiting overspending. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting the board’s budget and administrative operations.

Maddy summarySB 2023 allocates $200,296 to Mississippi's Board of Veterinary Examiners for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026) to cover their operational expenses. This is a funding bill with no policy changes, directly supporting the board's work in regulating veterinary professionals. It specifies that funds must be used for board expenses, requires detailed financial reporting, and includes standard procurement preferences for Mississippi Industries for the Blind. The bill was enacted after approval by the governor on June 4, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2038 appropriates $666,936 from the State General Fund to cover the Board of Tax Appeals' expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically allocates $586,081 for "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and benefits) for six authorized permanent positions, with $58,608 designated as "Vacancy Funding" for unfilled roles. It prohibits using these funds for promotions, salary increases, or non-salary adjustments, requiring strict adherence to Mississippi's Variable Compensation Plan and budget limits. The Board must maintain detailed financial records matching FY2025 standards and follow state procurement preferences for the Mississippi Industries for the Blind.

Maddy summarySB 2024 provides $1.29 million in state funding to Mississippi's Board of Dental Examiners for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It specifically allocates $694,646 for staff salaries and benefits for the board’s 8 authorized positions, with strict rules preventing use for promotions or salary increases beyond budget limits. Additionally, $27,000 is designated for the Board of Pharmacy to support its Prescription Monitoring Program. This is a routine budget allocation for operational costs, not a new policy change.