Sen. Brian Rhodes

Maddy summarySB 2272 exempts specific agricultural and logging items from Mississippi's 1.5% state sales tax, including livestock fencing materials and agricultural lime purchased by commercial farmers for farming use. The bill amends tax code sections to remove the 1.5% tax rate for these items and requires the Department of Revenue to create a permit application process for commercial farmers seeking the exemption. This directly affects commercial farmers buying qualifying materials, reducing their tax burden on essential farming supplies. The policy change is a concrete tax adjustment, not a new fee or mandate beyond the sales tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends the 2025-2026 Florence High School Girls Soccer Team and Head Coach Bill Hood for winning the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's victory in a 4-1 final game and acknowledges their third consecutive state championship appearance. It formally presents the resolution to the team and coach for their achievements and directs the document to be shared with the school administration and local press.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates former Mississippi State Senator Bobby Chamberlin on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The resolution recognizes his judicial career, including his service on the Mississippi Supreme Court and previous roles as a municipal judge and prosecutor. It also notes his confirmation by the U.S. Senate and includes a statement of support from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The resolution will be presented at Chamberlin's investiture ceremony and shared with the press.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Mississippi-connected individuals who contributed to the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory. It specifically recognizes seven athletes and a coach with Mississippi ties: Derick Hall (Gulfport, linebacker), Charles Cross (Laurel, Mississippi State alum), Cam Akers (Clinton), Chris Paul Jr. (Ole Miss linebacker), A.J. Finley (Ole Miss safety), Jared Ivey (Ole Miss linebacker), and Coach Leslie Frazier (Alcorn State alum, Seahawks assistant head coach). The resolution formally commends them for their roles in the championship win and their representation of Mississippi. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes, it does not create new laws or allocate funds.

Maddy summarySB 2648 authorizes Mississippi State University Extension Service to provide technical assistance to poultry farmers in developing nutrient management plans required by federal and state environmental regulations. This includes on-site evaluations, guidance, and document preparation to help farmers comply with environmental rules. The bill explicitly states that MSU Extension is not required to offer these services without dedicated funding, and it will take effect on July 1, 2026. The measure directly affects poultry farmers needing regulatory compliance support, with no mandate for service delivery without available resources.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 49) congratulating 17-year-old Rachel McAlpin of Brandon, Mississippi, for winning a gold medal in the 50-meter breaststroke at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania. The resolution formally extends the Mississippi Senate's commendation to McAlpin, recognizing her athletic achievement and personal background. It has no policy impact or binding effect - it is purely an honorary gesture with no direct legal or financial implications for any individual or group. The Senate will present the resolution to McAlpin, her family, and Team USA.

Maddy summarySB 2414 updates the membership composition of Mississippi's Title V Advisory Council by replacing inactive or non-existent industry representation groups. The council will now include four industry representatives (appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House) alongside existing members from business and agricultural organizations. This change ensures the council reflects current stakeholders who pay Title V program fees, while maintaining its existing duty to study program costs and recommend equitable fee structures for the Department of Environmental Quality. The bill does not alter the council's core responsibilities or fee-setting mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 2415 updates Mississippi's environmental permit processes. It allows hearings for hazardous waste and landfill permits to occur in Hinds County, locally, or online instead of requiring statewide hearings. The bill removes the requirement for certified mail notices about permit expirations and eliminates permit application fees. These changes apply directly to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), permit applicants, and the public participating in hearings.

Maddy summarySB 2760 streamlines Mississippi's surface mining regulations by removing the Office of Geology and Energy Resources (and its successor) from oversight roles. It eliminates the requirement for commission approval of consolidation plan changes, grants the Executive Director sole authority to investigate violations, and shifts permit review and bond determination responsibilities to the Department of Environmental Quality staff. This directly affects surface mining operators, the Department's staff, and landowners whose properties may be included in mining operations. The bill simplifies administrative processes by reducing layers of approval and centralizing authority within the Department.