Sen. Jason Barrett

Maddy summarySB 2016 extends the expiration date of a tax that Brookhaven, Mississippi, can impose on room rentals from hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfast establishments (with six or more rooms). The tax, which is capped at 2% of gross rental revenue, is intended to fund tourism and parks in Brookhaven and requires a city council resolution plus a voter referendum (60% approval) to implement. The current law would have repealed this tax authority on July 1, 2029, but this bill moves that expiration date to a later time. This extension allows Brookhaven to continue using the tax for its designated purposes without needing to re-adopt the tax through a new process.

Maddy summarySB 2741 establishes a licensing requirement for professional music therapists in Mississippi, effective January 1, 2026. It mandates that only licensed individuals may use titles implying they are professional music therapists, directly affecting practitioners and ensuring the public receives services from qualified providers. The bill creates a Music Therapy Advisory Committee to advise the State Department of Health, sets licensure qualifications, renewal rules, and disciplinary procedures, and requires all fees collected to fund a special state account. It defines "music therapy" as evidence-based clinical practice using music interventions within a therapeutic relationship, excluding diagnosis or screening. The legislation aims to protect public health by regulating the profession and ensuring service quality.

Maddy summarySB 3061 authorizes Lincoln County, Mississippi, to charge a fee on court convictions to fund courthouse and pretrial detention facility repairs. The county can collect up to $25 per conviction (except for DUI cases, which would be $50) from individuals convicted in Justice, County, or Circuit Courts. These funds must be used exclusively for repairs and renovations of Lincoln County's courthouses and detention facilities, and the fee authority expires on July 1, 2029.

Maddy summarySC 544 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives to extend condolences to Paul Gallo's family and honor his 56-year career as a talk radio host in Mississippi. It recognizes Gallo's role as a "Godfather" of Mississippi talk radio, his hosting of "The Gallo Radio Show," and his community impact - including raising nearly $3 million for children's causes through SuperTalk's Radiothon. The resolution emphasizes his dedication to amplifying Mississippi's stories, holding leaders accountable, and connecting with listeners as "family" over decades. As a ceremonial tribute, it has no policy effect or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi Senate resolution (SR 20) changes Senate Rule 74 to limit how many bills individual senators can introduce during a legislative session. Non-committee chair senators may introduce up to 10 bills with standard deadlines, while committee chairs may introduce up to 15. These limits do not apply to revenue bills, appropriations bills, local or private bills, or resolutions. The rule aims to manage the volume of bills introduced by senators during regular sessions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 142) commending Jim Ellis for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for Mississippi State University baseball. It recognizes his role as "The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs," highlighting his coverage of 11 College World Series appearances, SEC championships, and the 2021 national title. The resolution formally praises his service to MSU and the state, with no policy changes or direct impact on any laws or individuals beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate in April 2025.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SC 539) expresses Mississippi's support for strengthening economic ties with Taiwan. It specifically advocates for establishing a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan to help small and medium businesses engage in trade, while also endorsing Taiwan's international participation and honoring Mississippi's existing sister-state relationship since 1983. The resolution notes Mississippi exported over $200 million in goods to Taiwan in 2024. As a non-binding statement of support, it does not create new laws or obligations.

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 summarySB 2803 requires owners of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs, or "side-by-sides") to obtain a title from Mississippi's Department of Revenue starting in 2025 for newly manufactured vehicles. It exempts ATVs and UTVs held by retailers on consignment or floor plan (as dealer inventory) from property tax. The bill updates vehicle definitions to include ATVs/UTVs in Mississippi's titling law and aligns related tax provisions. This affects ATV/UTV owners needing titles and retailers managing inventory, with no new tax burden on dealer stock. The law was signed by the governor in March 2025.