Sen. Albert Butler

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 resolution (SR 30) expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Representative Charles L. Young, Jr., following his passing on December 19, 2024. It formally extends sympathy to his surviving family members, recognizing his service as a Democrat representing Mississippi's 82nd District since 2012. The resolution does not create any new policies or affect any specific laws, as it is a ceremonial expression of respect for a deceased legislator.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 22) is a ceremonial Senate measure congratulating the Jackson State University Women's Softball Team and Head Coach Kevin Montgomery for winning the 2024 SWAC Tournament Championship - their first title in over a decade. It specifically recognizes their victory over Florida A&M (3-1) and highlights key players and coaches. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect; it is purely symbolic recognition of athletic achievement. It was formally adopted by the Mississippi Senate on February 11, 2025, and will be presented to the team and university leadership.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally praises Jackson State University's "Sonic Boom of the South" marching band and its director, Dr. Roderick Little, for their performance at the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade. It specifically recognizes their role in showcasing Mississippi's musical heritage on a national stage during the January 1, 2025, parade. The resolution has no policy or financial impact - it is purely ceremonial, extending congratulations from the Mississippi Senate without altering laws or regulations. It was adopted by the Senate on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 33) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) for its 75th anniversary. It formally recognizes MVSU's historical role in Mississippi higher education, including its founding in 1946 as a vocational college and its evolution into a university offering diverse academic programs. The resolution commends MVSU's contributions to the state and nation and extends congratulations to its students, faculty, and administration. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations but serves to publicly acknowledge the institution's legacy.

Maddy summarySB 2522 created a 9-member task force to study historical funding disparities between Alcorn State University and other Mississippi public universities, particularly Mississippi State University (a land-grant institution). The task force was required to examine past underfunding impacts on students and faculty, and propose solutions for restoring adequate funding and future parity. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, before the task force could be formed or submit its required report by December 31, 2025. This procedural bill did not enact any funding changes, as it failed to advance beyond committee review.

Maddy summarySB 2380 is a Mississippi state bill that primarily establishes a development fund for the City of Jackson and modifies gaming-related laws. The bill creates the City of Jackson Development Fund, which will receive additional fees from gaming licenses and provide loans and grants to support new and expanding businesses in the city. It also amends several sections of the Mississippi Gaming Control Act to define terms like "project" and "gaming device" more clearly, and allows legal gaming in establishments that are part of approved projects. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that if gaming revenue distributed to certain cities or counties falls below historical averages, the state will make up the shortfall. The bill was referred to a committee but ultimately died in committee without further action.

Maddy summarySB 2394 would expand Mississippi's Medicaid program to include low-income adults who qualify for coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically those meeting income criteria typically set at 138% of the federal poverty level. The bill amends Mississippi Code sections 43-13-115 (eligibility) and 43-13-117 (benefits) to add this new category and require essential health benefits for these individuals. This change would directly affect thousands of low-income adults in Mississippi currently uninsured due to the state's lack of Medicaid expansion under the ACA.

Maddy summaryThe Mississippi Senate passed Resolution SR 17 to formally recognize Jane Crater Hiatt as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's "Stephen C. Edds" Patron of the Arts Award. This resolution honors her decades-long contributions to Mississippi's arts community through leadership roles, including directing the Mississippi Arts Commission and establishing the Jane Crater Hiatt Artist Fellowship, which provides $20,000 grants to support Mississippi artists' career development. The resolution highlights her advocacy for arts education, diversity in arts programming, and ongoing philanthropy that has strengthened cultural opportunities statewide.