Sen. Jason Barrett

Maddy summarySB 2632 is a procedural bill that reorganizes existing sections of Mississippi's Emergency Management Law (Mississippi Code of 1972) by moving specific code sections (33-15-1 through 33-15-53) to new positions in the code. It does not change the content or policy of these sections, which cover definitions, purposes, and structure of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The bill’s sole purpose is to facilitate future amendments by updating the code’s numbering. This reorganization affects the legal code itself, not individuals or entities, and requires no action from the public or agencies.

Maddy summarySB 2898 directs the State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer to transfer $20 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund upon the bill's effective date. This technical amendment reallocates existing state funds without creating new programs or changing eligibility for disaster assistance. The transfer affects state budget accounting by moving money between two designated funds (Fund No. 6499C00000 to Fund No. 3372500000) to support disaster response resources. The bill has no direct impact on citizens or businesses but modifies how state funds are allocated. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends and congratulates the Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars girls fast-pitch softball team and Coach Lisa Covington for winning the 2026 MAIS 4A-D3 state championship. The resolution recognizes the team's 7-0 victory over rival Silliman, highlighting standout performances by players like Madelynn Lambert and celebrating the achievements of six seniors playing their final season. The document serves as a formal acknowledgment of the team's success and honors their contributions to their school and community.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2432 amends Mississippi Code Section 19-25-73 to remove outdated provisions about county charges for housing prisoners and Department of Corrections payments. It replaces these with a new provision allowing county boards of supervisors to contract with political subdivisions (like municipalities) for prisoner housing at agreed rates, as long as the rate is at least equal to what the state Department of Corrections pays counties. This directly affects county governments, sheriff's offices, and local political subdivisions that house inmates. The bill streamlines how counties manage inmate housing costs by removing fixed payment rules and enabling flexible local agreements. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises the definition of "qualified resort area" under Mississippi's Local Option Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. It directly affects hotels, resorts, and related businesses in areas designated as "qualified resort areas" regarding alcohol sales permissions. The amendment modifies Section 67-1-5 of Mississippi Code to adjust how these areas are defined, though the specific wording change isn't detailed in the provided text. This is a procedural adjustment to the legal definition governing alcohol regulations in designated resort regions.

Maddy summarySB 2597 authorizes Mississippi's Department of Finance and Administration to transfer the ABC Warehouse property at 1286 Gluckstadt Road in Madison to the Madison County Economic Development Authority. The bill requires the state to sell the property for at least fair market value (determined by two certified appraisers), include a legal description in the deed, and deposit all sale proceeds (minus costs) into the State General Fund. The state retains mineral rights to the property, and the transfer can occur via public or private sale under terms set by the department. This directly affects Madison County's economic development efforts and state treasury funding.

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 summarySB 2341 extends the expiration date of Mississippi's current restrictions on corporations and nonresident aliens purchasing public lands. The existing rules, which prohibit most such purchases (with limited exceptions for banking corporations holding mortgages or nonresident aliens for industrial/residential use), were set to expire on July 1, 2029, but this bill delays that date. It directly affects out-of-state businesses and foreign individuals seeking to acquire public land by maintaining the current ownership limitations longer. This is a procedural change to the timeline, not a modification of the underlying restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 2704 creates a new option for professional and trade associations in Mississippi (like groups of doctors, lawyers, plumbers, or electricians) to offer self-funded health plans regulated by another state or federal authority, rather than Mississippi’s insurance laws. These plans must meet specific requirements, including operating for three years without insurance as their primary purpose, being nonprofit, and maintaining proper reserves. The bill requires clear written notices to members that these plans are not regulated by Mississippi’s Insurance Department, not covered by the state’s guaranty association, and have no state oversight on costs or benefits. This provides additional health coverage choices for association members while exempting these plans from most Mississippi insurance regulations.