Sen. Albert Butler

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi bill updates how funds from the American Rescue Plan Act are managed and clarifies eligibility for a nursing loan repayment program. It directs the state to move interest earned on unused local recovery funds into a state-level account and allows unspent local funds to be returned to the federal government. Additionally, the legislation adjusts rules for a program that helps nurses repay student loans in exchange for working at skilled nursing homes or hospitals, including changes to how awards are granted and renewed. The bill also creates a new special fund for road maintenance projects and outlines procedures for transferring various state funds to specific recovery accounts.

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi bill appropriates over $1.5 billion in state and special funds to support the eight state universities for the 2025 fiscal year, covering general operations, maintenance, and repairs. A key provision establishes a rule requiring off-campus centers to receive at least 65% of the funding rate applied to on-campus students while charging only direct costs. The legislation also allocates specific amounts for the Mississippi Governor's School for the Gifted and Talented and the Teacher Corps, and directs the Board of Trustees to eliminate duplicate programs and avoid using general funds to replace withdrawn federal money.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide death benefits to Mississippi law enforcement officers and firefighters who die or suffer fatal injuries while performing official duties. It increases the base death benefit payment to $150,000 and allows for an additional $25,000 per child, with a maximum total payout of $250,000, while also authorizing up to $15,000 for funeral expenses. The legislation creates a separate fund for training and equipment grants, directing any money remaining in the death benefits trust after maintaining a $4 million minimum balance to support enhanced training or safety gear for covered individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates approximately $71.5 million in state and special funds to support the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine for the 2025 fiscal year. The funding covers general operations, salaries, research grants, clinical services, and specific programs like chronic disease testing and rural veterinarian scholarships. In exchange for this financial support, the college is required to meet specific performance targets, such as ensuring 95% of graduates pass their licensing exam and achieving high levels of client and alumni satisfaction. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the college give purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when buying goods and services. The bill also requires the college to submit a detailed budget report for the following year that includes data on how well these performance goals were achieved.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates over $691 million in state and special funds to support the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for the 2025 fiscal year. The funding authorizes the hiring of nearly 6,250 permanent and time-limited staff members while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current employees unless new positions are added. A significant portion of the money is designated for specific programs, including Medicaid payments, Alzheimer's services, crisis centers, and drug abuse education. The legislation also sets performance targets for the department, such as increasing community-based care and expanding access to crisis response teams.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $1.9 billion to fund the University of Mississippi Medical Center for the 2025 fiscal year, covering its schools, teaching hospital, and various specialized centers. The legislation establishes strict rules requiring the medical center to invoice state agencies for services and discontinue care if payment is not received within 90 days. Additionally, the bill allocates specific funds for rural physician and dentist scholarships, restricts the use of appropriated money for research involving the destruction of human embryos, and mandates compliance with state financial management laws.