Sen. Brian Rhodes

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 135) is a ceremonial Senate commendation for the East Rankin Academy Patriots Boys Soccer Team and Coach Reid Westover, recognizing their first-ever MAIS Division II State Championship win in 2025. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic expression of support from the Mississippi Senate. The resolution formally congratulates the team, coaches, and school community for their achievement, as documented in the bill text. It was adopted by the Senate on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 145) is a ceremonial commendation by the Mississippi Senate for the Jackson Preparatory School Patriots Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Will Johnson. It specifically honors their achievement of winning the MAIS Overall State Championship for three of the last four seasons, including the 2024-2025 title. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it simply expresses formal recognition and congratulations to the team, coaches, and school. It directly affects the team, coaches, and Jackson Prep community through symbolic praise, not through any legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 142) commending Jim Ellis for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for Mississippi State University baseball. It recognizes his role as "The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs," highlighting his coverage of 11 College World Series appearances, SEC championships, and the 2021 national title. The resolution formally praises his service to MSU and the state, with no policy changes or direct impact on any laws or individuals beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate in April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2257 removes a repealer provision from Mississippi law that would have eliminated existing weight and route requirements for harvest permit vehicles. The bill preserves current rules requiring harvest permit holders (such as agricultural haulers transporting crops, wood products, or materials like sand/gravel) to adhere to specific maximum vehicle weights and obtain prior route approvals. These rules include detailed weight limits based on axle spacing (e.g., up to 88,000 lbs with a permit) and restrict tolerance allowances for overweight vehicles. The change ensures these regulations remain in effect rather than phasing them out.

Maddy summarySB 2968 changes how Mississippi calculates property taxes for rural agricultural structures like barns and poultry houses (excluding homes). It requires revaluing structures appraised before 2025 and mandates a fixed 7% annual depreciation rate for all rural structures after initial appraisal. Poultry houses have specific rules: their value cannot drop below 20% of original value, and a 45% economic obsolescence adjustment applies. These changes directly affect owners of commercial agricultural buildings, not residential properties.

Maddy summarySB 3095 reduces Mississippi's individual income tax rate for income above $10,000 to 3.75% starting in 2027, gradually decreasing to 2.99% by 2030. It increases the sales tax on groceries (not purchased with food stamps) to 5% starting July 2025 and raises the fuel excise tax from 21¢ to 27¢ per gallon over 2025-2027. The bill also adjusts how revenue from fuel and sales taxes is distributed, directing more funds to infrastructure projects in municipalities and counties. These changes directly affect higher-income earners, grocery shoppers, and drivers purchasing gasoline.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 125) formally recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Mississippi State Fire Academy. It honors the Academy's history since 1974, its role in training firefighters and emergency responders, and its contributions to public safety across Mississippi. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment presented to the Academy's leadership.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill) honoring Senator John A. Polk (District 44) for receiving the Mississippi Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Mississippi National Guard. It formally recognizes his "outstanding leadership" in supporting the National Guard through legislative actions, as cited in the award. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's acknowledgment of his award and will be presented to him. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any specific group beyond the symbolic honor.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 122) formally commends Flowood, Mississippi Mayor Gary Rhoads for his 36 years of public service and economic development leadership, including his role in maintaining low city millage rates and overseeing projects like the Dogwood Festival and Sheraton Hotel. It directly honors Rhoads on his retirement from office, recognizing his community engagement and financial stewardship. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Mississippi Senate's appreciation through a formal statement. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2210 revises Mississippi's fireworks sales schedule, allowing retail sales only from May 23 to July 12 and December 5 to January 9 annually. It reduces penalties for violating fireworks laws from felonies to misdemeanors, with fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. The bill also adds civil liability, requiring sellers of illegal fireworks to cover injuries, deaths, or property damage caused by their products. This directly affects retailers, distributors, and anyone selling fireworks in Mississippi. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.