Sen. Brian Rhodes

Maddy summarySB 2632 is a procedural bill that reorganizes existing sections of Mississippi's Emergency Management Law (Mississippi Code of 1972) by moving specific code sections (33-15-1 through 33-15-53) to new positions in the code. It does not change the content or policy of these sections, which cover definitions, purposes, and structure of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The bill’s sole purpose is to facilitate future amendments by updating the code’s numbering. This reorganization affects the legal code itself, not individuals or entities, and requires no action from the public or agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for a 3% hotel/motel tourism tax in Richland, Mississippi. Currently set to expire on July 1, 2030, the tax allows Richland to collect 3% of gross room rental proceeds from hotels and motels to fund tourism, parks, and recreation programs. The tax requires voter approval via election (60%+ vote needed) and must be collected and managed separately from general city funds. The bill does not create a new tax but prolongs the existing tax’s authorization beyond its current 2030 expiration date.

Maddy summarySB 2927 extends the expiration date of a 2% tax on bars and restaurants in Richland, Mississippi, preventing it from automatically ending. The tax, which has been in place since 1998, applies to gross sales of bars (all alcoholic beverages) and restaurants (beer/alcohol and prepared food), with proceeds dedicated solely to tourism, parks, and recreation funding after community center construction costs are covered. The bill does not change the tax rate or purpose but ensures the existing tax mechanism remains active for its intended use. This affects bar and restaurant businesses operating within Richland's city limits.

Maddy summarySB 2898 directs the State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer to transfer $20 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund upon the bill's effective date. This technical amendment reallocates existing state funds without creating new programs or changing eligibility for disaster assistance. The transfer affects state budget accounting by moving money between two designated funds (Fund No. 6499C00000 to Fund No. 3372500000) to support disaster response resources. The bill has no direct impact on citizens or businesses but modifies how state funds are allocated. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally congratulates Coach Bill Ward on his induction into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The resolution recognizes his 33-year career coaching football, girls basketball, and track across Mississippi, including leading his Pelahatchie team to a state championship in 2001. It also acknowledges his leadership roles within the Mississippi Association of Coaches, where he served as president and board member. The document serves as an official commendation from the Mississippi Senate to Coach Ward and his family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends the East Rankin Academy Shooting Sports Team and Coach Matthew Miller for winning their sixth consecutive Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program State Championship. The document recognizes the team's achievements in clay target sports and lists individual student participants honored for their performance at the state tournament. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of the team's success and directs that the commendation be presented to the coach and school administration. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy changes or regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the 2025 East Rankin Academy Lady Patriots Girls Cross Country Team and their coach, David Hopper, for winning their fifth consecutive MAIS 4A state championship. The bill acknowledges the team's achievement under Mississippi's new school classification system and lists the roster members who competed in the competition. It directs that the resolution be presented to the coach and school administration, with a copy provided to the press corps for public dissemination. This document serves as an official commendation rather than a law that changes policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends the Raleigh High School Lions football team and Head Coach Ryan Higdon for winning the MHSAA Class 3A State Championship. The resolution formally recognizes the team's 12-6 victory over Noxubee County and honors the players, coaches, and support staff who contributed to their success. It directs that the resolution be presented to the head coach and school principal, forwarded to the Smith County Board of Education, and made available to the press. This is a ceremonial document that acknowledges athletic achievement rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends the East Rankin Academy Patriots Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Reid Westover for winning back-to-back MAIS Division III State Championships in 2025 and 2026. The resolution formally recognizes the team's achievements, including the 2026 victory where eighth-grader Noah Craig scored the game-winning goal, and highlights Coach Westover's leadership in building the program into a state-championship-winning team. The document lists the team roster and directs the resolution to be presented to the head coach and school administration while making it available to the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.