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.
Sponsored bills
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 summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 526 is a symbolic resolution congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels football team and head coach Pete Golding for winning the 2025-2026 Sugar Bowl championship and finishing No. 3 in national rankings - the highest finish for an SEC team since 1962. It recognizes their 13-2 season, historic College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, and significance as the highest-ranked Ole Miss team in over six decades. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, commending the team's achievements without altering laws or regulations.
Maddy summarySB 2480 directs the State Fiscal Officer to transfer $265 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Capacity Project Fund upon the bill's effective date. This transfer specifically funds transportation infrastructure projects (known as "capacity projects") included in the Mississippi Department of Transportation's Three-Year Plan, as defined under existing law. The bill amends Section 65-1-141.2 to clarify that unspent funds in the Capacity Project Fund do not lapse into the general state fund, and earnings from the fund remain within it. The bill does not create new policy but reallocates existing state funds for transportation project financing.
Maddy summarySB 2479, the "Creating Transparency and Accountability in Dental Services Act," requires dental insurance companies (referred to as "dental carriers") to calculate and report annually how much of their premium revenue is spent directly on patient care versus administrative costs. Dental carriers must file detailed reports by June 30 each year, including data matching federal standards, and make these reports publicly accessible online by December 1. The law applies to all dental health plans sold in Mississippi, excluding Medicaid and state-sponsored programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program. This transparency measure aims to clarify where premium dollars go, allowing consumers and regulators to review carrier spending patterns.
Maddy summarySB 2292 requires all Mississippi public and charter schools to teach civics courses starting in 8th grade and before 12th grade, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. The bill mandates instruction on U.S. and Mississippi constitutions, government structures (including federalism and separation of powers), historical context, critical thinking skills, and civil discourse. The State Department of Education will develop and update curriculum standards to align with current civics scholarship, renaming existing U.S. Government courses to "United States Government and Civics." This policy directly affects all K-12 students and school staff in Mississippi's public and charter schools.
Maddy summarySB 2761 updates Mississippi's lead-based paint regulations to align with federal EPA standards. It requires all training programs for lead paint professionals (like inspectors, renovators, and workers) to include hands-on practice and limits certification validity to three years. The bill revises definitions to match EPA rules (e.g., "abatement" and "lead-based paint activities") and mandates that Mississippi's Commission on Environmental Quality adopt certification rules consistent with federal requirements. This directly affects licensed lead paint workers, training programs, and the commission managing compliance.
Maddy summarySB 2402 (The Amy Act) eliminates the grace period allowing lobbyists to register with Mississippi's Secretary of State after starting lobbying activities. It requires lobbyists and their clients to register and pay fees *before* engaging in lobbying, rather than after. The bill creates "The Amy Act" under Section 5-8-17, authorizing the Secretary of State to assess daily fines of $50 (up to $500 total) for late registration. This directly affects all lobbyists and their clients who lobby in Mississippi, making timely registration mandatory to avoid penalties.
Maddy summarySB 3169 appropriates $10 million from the State General Fund to Rankin County for infrastructure improvements at the Highway 18 railroad crossing. The funds specifically cover costs for constructing a flyover bridge at that location during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This bill directly affects Rankin County residents and commuters who use the Highway 18 crossing, as it finances physical infrastructure upgrades to improve traffic flow and safety. The legislation is purely a funding measure with no new policy requirements or regulations.
Maddy summarySB 3172 appropriates $2.4 million from Mississippi's General Fund for fiscal year 2027 to fund teletherapy services for students. The bill provides grants to public school districts, public charter schools, and nonpublic schools serving students in grades 5 through 12. These funds cover costs associated with delivering teletherapy services directly to eligible students in participating schools. The appropriation is effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.