Sen. Albert Butler

Maddy summarySB 2882 removes a requirement for Mississippi homeowners applying for homestead tax exemption to submit a copy of their property closing statement or disclosure. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 27-33-31 to explicitly state that applicants no longer need to provide these documents to qualify. This change directly affects homeowners seeking the homestead exemption, simplifying the application process by eliminating one document submission. The policy change streamlines the administrative process for county tax assessors handling homestead exemption applications.

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 appropriates $188,645 from the state treasury to fund the Mississippi State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $40,000 to replace and upgrade the board’s licensing management system. The bill requires the board to maintain detailed financial records, comply with budget laws, and give preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods or services.

Maddy summarySB 3074 appropriates $1,269,591 for the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners for fiscal year 2027, primarily to cover staff salaries and benefits for its authorized 8 full-time positions. The bill specifies that $720,776 must be used exclusively for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits), with strict limits preventing budget overruns or using these funds for promotions or new positions. It requires the Board to use "Vacancy Funding" only to fill existing unfilled authorized positions from the prior year, not to increase current staff compensation. The funds must comply with Mississippi's Variable Compensation Plan and cannot exceed the prior year's allocation without legislative approval for new positions.

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 summarySB 2368 amends Mississippi's Higher Education Legislative Plan Grant Program to simplify eligibility for state tuition grants. It removes the previous requirement that students complete a specific college-prep curriculum, instead setting clear criteria: Mississippi residency, a 2.5 GPA, a minimum ACT score of 20, no serious criminal record (only traffic violations allowed), and family income ≤ $42,500 (adjusted for additional children under 21). The bill also requires students to first qualify for a federal Pell Grant before receiving state funds, verified through the FAFSA. This change directly affects Mississippi students attending public or approved private colleges seeking undergraduate or associate degrees.

Maddy summarySB 2408 authorizes Mississippi's Soil and Water Conservation Commission to construct and maintain a levee system along the Yazoo River in Yazoo County, using federal funding. The bill grants the Commission authority to handle all construction activities, including environmental mitigation and land acquisition, and to contract with local governments or private entities for project execution. It also allows the Commission to partner with political subdivisions for levee maintenance over up to 99 years, with local entities optionally contributing funds. This directly affects Yazoo County residents by enhancing flood protection along the Yazoo River.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) expressing the Mississippi Legislature's condolences on the death of Dr. Rod Paige, Mississippi native and the nation's first African American U.S. Secretary of Education. It honors his legacy, including his role in shaping the No Child Left Behind Act and his work as Houston school superintendent. The resolution extends "sincerest sympathy" to his family and pays tribute to his contributions to education. It has no legislative effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution (SC 524) honoring Willie Totten and Jerry Rice, whose 1981-1985 partnership at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) revolutionized small-college football as the "Satellite Express." It recognizes Totten's record-setting passing (12,711 yards, 141 TDs) and Rice's historic receiving (4,693 yards, 50 TDs), which propelled Rice to NFL stardom and influenced modern offensive strategies. The resolution specifically commemorates their legacy at MVSU, an HBCU that overcame decades of struggles under Coach Archie Cooley's innovative no-huddle offense. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new policy or affect any current laws.