Sen. Brian Rhodes

Maddy summarySB 3158 appropriates $170,000 from the Mississippi General Fund for Smith County Economic Development Center to cover costs related to relocating its sewer system and upgrading its drainage infrastructure during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affects Smith County’s economic development operations by funding specific physical infrastructure improvements. It provides a one-time state funding allocation with no new policy requirements or regulations. The bill was referred to Appropriations but died in committee on February 26, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 3160 would have appropriated $65,000 from Mississippi's General Fund to the Smith County Sheriff's Department for purchasing a vehicle during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). This procedural bill, which died in committee on February 26, 2025, directly affected the Smith County Sheriff's Department by funding a specific equipment purchase. It contained no substantive policy changes, only a funding allocation for a defined purpose. The bill did not advance to the governor's desk.

Maddy summarySB 3161 would have allocated $750,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Town of Polkville for renovations, repairs, and improvements to its community center during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affected Polkville residents who use the community center by funding physical upgrades to the facility. Key provisions included specifying the exact funding amount, requiring payment through state fiscal channels, and setting the fiscal year for the appropriation. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 3156 appropriates $1.7 million from Mississippi's General Fund to the Smith County School District for the expansion, renovation, and improvement of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. This funding is designated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects Smith County School District students and staff by enabling physical upgrades to their CTE facilities. The funds would cover construction and renovation costs, with payments made through the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions.

Maddy summarySB 3154 appropriated $2 million from the State General Fund to the City of Florence for purchasing and installing a new water well during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly funded the city's infrastructure project to address water supply needs. It required the State Treasurer to disburse funds upon proper requisitions, with no additional policy changes or new requirements. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 502), not a policy bill. It formally expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of John J. Fraiser, Jr., a former state senator, presiding judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals, and WWII veteran who died in July 2024. The resolution commends his decades of public service, including establishing the Mississippi Court of Appeals and authoring education-related legislation. It has no policy impact or effect on any individuals or laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Edwin Lloyd Pittman, a former Mississippi public servant. It honors his service as Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, Attorney General, Secretary of State, two-term State Senator, and Brigadier General in the Mississippi National Guard. The resolution recognizes his career spanning multiple branches of state government and his efforts to improve judicial transparency and access to justice. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 506) is a concurrent resolution expressing the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to the surviving family of former State Senator Nickey Reed Browning of Pontotoc, Mississippi, following his death on October 29, 2024. It commends his 24-year service in the Senate, his community leadership, and his role as a longtime coach for the Pontotoc Red Sox American Legion Baseball team. The resolution formally extends condolences and recognizes his contributions to Pontotoc and Union Counties. As a commemorative measure, it does not create any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryBill SC 504 is a commemorative resolution extending the Mississippi Senate's deepest sympathy to the family of Charles James Pittman, a former Mississippi State Senator and former staff member to Governor Haley Barbour. The resolution also commends his decades of public service, including founding the "MS Singing Senators" and his dedication to Mississippi communities. It honors his legacy of ethics, community involvement, and service to the state, as detailed in the resolution's preamble. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but serves as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 11) passed by the Mississippi Senate to formally commend Hartfield Academy's football team and head coach Craig Bowman for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MAIS) 6A State Championship for the second consecutive year. The resolution specifically recognizes their victory in the November 23, 2024, championship game against Jackson Prep. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a symbolic gesture of legislative support. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 17, 2025, and will be presented to Coach Bowman and the school leadership.