Sen. Gary Brumfield

Maddy summarySB 2389 would expand Mississippi Medicaid eligibility to include low-income adults who qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically those with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level who are currently excluded from Mississippi Medicaid. The bill amends state law to automatically include these individuals in Medicaid coverage and requires that they receive essential health benefits. This change would allow eligible adults to enroll directly in Medicaid instead of navigating the ACA marketplace. The bill died in committee in 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2582, the "Robert G. Clark, Jr., Voting Rights Act of Mississippi," would establish statewide protections against voter suppression and vote dilution for Mississippi voters, particularly affecting protected classes defined as racial, ethnic, or language minority groups. Key provisions include creating the Mississippi Voting Rights Commission to review election changes (like district maps or voting locations) before implementation, requiring public notice of voting-related changes, and mandating accommodations for limited English proficient and disabled voters. The bill prohibits election policies that disproportionately harm protected class members or dilute their voting power, with enforcement through legal actions. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not advance to the full legislature.

Maddy summarySB 2723 established an enhanced health insurance plan for Mississippi state-certified law enforcement officers and designated support personnel (like dispatchers and administrative staff) upon retirement. It provided tiered state contributions toward retiree health premiums based on years of service (e.g., 100% coverage for 25+ years of law enforcement service), with a dedicated "State Public Safety Retiree Health Trust Fund" coordinated with Medicare. The bill included disciplinary adjustments (reducing contributions by 5% for qualifying violations) and excluded municipal, county, federal, and contractor employees. This bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2902 proposed reforms to Mississippi's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Tier 5, directly affecting public employees in that tier. Key changes included reducing the vesting period from 8 to 6 years, lowering the required service years for retirement from 35 to 30, and allowing retirement when a member's age plus years of service equals at least 80. The bill also increased the benefit multiplier for service beyond 20 years from 1% to 1.25%, added a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) tied to inflation but capped at 1.5%, and provided enhanced benefits for first responders (including a 1.5% multiplier and additional retirement options). Employer contributions were adjusted, requiring a minimum 3% match (5% for first responders) and a $2,000 one-time contribution after 10 years of service. The bill died in committee in 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2654 establishes a standardized 15-day in-person early voting period for all Mississippi elections (primaries, general, runoff, special, and municipal), beginning 15 days before the election and ending at noon on the Saturday before election day. Voters must cast ballots at their county registrar's office during set hours (regular business hours plus extended hours the last full week before elections), presenting photo ID and following standard election procedures. The bill requires posting early voting locations in three public places 8 days in advance and prohibits ballot harvesting, drop boxes, or mail-in voting during early voting - except as permitted under existing Mississippi Election Code. It applies directly to all registered voters in Mississippi participating in in-person early voting.

Maddy summarySC 538 is a ceremonial concurrent resolution recognizing Sarita "Bugg" Cooper-White's basketball career. It honors her achievements as a Gentry High School standout (including a perfect 40-0 season and "Miss Basketball" title), Delta State University All-American (ranking third in NCAA D-II assists), and her coaching success, ahead of her 2025 Delta State Sports Hall of Fame induction. The resolution formally extends recognition to Cooper-White and her family, and directs copies to her schools and the press. The bill died in committee on April 3, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 143) is a formal tribute by the Mississippi Senate mourning the death of Huey P. Williams, the lead singer of the Jackson Southernaires gospel group. It acknowledges his decades-long musical legacy, including his role in shaping Mississippi's gospel music scene and the group's national impact through hits like "Too Late" and "The Greatest Creator." The resolution specifically recognizes Williams' family's gospel influence, his 2024 final performance, and the group's induction into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact policy but honors Williams' cultural contributions.

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 policy bill) honoring former Mississippi House Speaker Pro Tempore Robert George Clark, Jr., who died on March 4, 2025. It extends the Legislature's sympathy to his family and recognizes his historic service as Mississippi's first African American legislator since Reconstruction (1967-2003), his leadership roles, and his advocacy for education and Mississippi's historical preservation. The resolution directs that it be presented to his family and forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. No policy changes or funding are involved.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) recognizing Senator Angela Turner Ford for receiving the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) 2024 Legislative Champion Award. It formally commends her advocacy for adult education in Mississippi, citing her support during National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and her role as a keynote speaker for a High School Equivalency ceremony. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any programs or individuals beyond honoring the Senator. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on March 6, 2025.