Sen. Jason Barrett

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.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences, not a policy bill. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's sympathy to Jeanne Luckey's surviving family (including her husband, daughters, and grandchildren) and commends her community service and public roles. Specifically, it honors her work as Mississippi's Republican National Committee Woman, President of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, and her advocacy for disability access during her service on the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 67) formally recognizes the 150th anniversary of the Mississippi Dental Association (MDA), which was founded in 1875. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it symbolically honors the MDA's historical role in advancing dental care, promoting oral health, and supporting over 1,000 dentists across Mississippi. The resolution expresses the state Senate's appreciation for the MDA's contributions to public health and professional standards over 150 years. It directly affects the MDA by publicly acknowledging its anniversary, with no concrete policy changes or financial implications.

Maddy summarySB 2562 increases the fee paid to circuit clerks and deputies for each day they attend court sessions from an unspecified prior amount to $85.00 per day, with counties covering this cost. This change directly affects county governments, which must now pay this higher fee for clerk and deputy attendance during circuit court terms. The bill modifies existing fee structure (Section 25-7-13) to set this specific daily rate, effective July 1, 2025. It does not alter other court fees or services, focusing solely on the compensation for court attendance time.

Maddy summarySB 2010 requires the Mississippi Department of Transportation to install and maintain directional signs on U.S. Route 84 in Lincoln County, approaching the intersection with Mississippi Highway 583, to indicate the location of the Berean Children's Home. The bill directly affects drivers traveling on U.S. Route 84 who may be seeking the home. It mandates the placement of these signs in both eastbound and westbound lanes, with implementation required by July 1, 2025. This is a procedural bill focused solely on improving navigation for visitors to the facility.

Maddy summarySB 2083 would have allowed Mississippi vehicle owners to purchase distinctive license tags supporting Mississippi College School of Law, requiring an additional $30 annual fee per tag. The bill specified that $24 of each fee would go directly to Mississippi College School of Law, $1 to the Mississippi Burn Care Fund, $2 to the State Highway Fund, and $1 to another special fund. It applied only to owners who voluntarily chose to pay the fee for the specialty tag, with the tags needing annual renewal. The bill was referred to committee but ultimately "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, meaning it did not become law.

Maddy summaryThe Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pay pharmacies promptly for medications and establishes a process for pharmacies to appeal if payments are below agreed rates. It also bans PBMs and pharmacy services organizations (PSAOs) from restricting patient choice of pharmacy, spreading pricing, or retaliating against pharmacists who exercise rights under the law. The bill mandates that PBMs, PSAOs, drug manufacturers, and health insurers report pricing and contract details to the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, which will publish this information online for transparency. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacists, PBMs, PSAOs, and health insurers operating in Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2444 establishes a scholarship program providing free tuition at Mississippi state universities and community colleges for eligible veterans. To qualify, veterans must be Mississippi residents, honorably discharged, qualify for in-state tuition, not receive federal education benefits, and either have served in a combat zone with a campaign medal or have a service-connected disability rated at 10% or higher. The program covers one month of tuition for each month of qualifying service, with a minimum of one academic year and maximum of four years of coverage. Funding is limited to $500,000 annually through the newly created Combat Veteran Scholarship Fund.

Maddy summarySR 65 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate to honor Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., who died in the line of duty on February 23, 2025. The resolution extends the Senate's "sincerest sympathy" to his surviving family - including his wife, daughter, and parents - and commends his law enforcement career. It has no policy provisions or financial impact; it is purely symbolic, expressing condolences and acknowledging his service. The Senate formally adopted the resolution on February 27, 2025, and will present it to his family and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office.

Maddy summarySR 49 is a ceremonial resolution extending the Mississippi Senate's sympathy to the surviving family of retired Hinds County Circuit Court Judge William Swan Yerger. It commends his decades of community service, including founding the Mississippi Arts Festival, leadership in local organizations, and dedication to the legal profession. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it formally honors his legacy through a symbolic expression of respect.