Sen. Rita Parks

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 85) that formally commends the Biggersville High School Lady Lions Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Cliff Little for winning the MHSAA Class 1A State Championship on February 28, 2025. It specifically recognizes their 28-5 record, key players like Sadiya Hill (24 points) and Jaylee Stafford (19 points, 11 rebounds), and Coach Little's seventh state championship overall. The resolution directs the Senate to present the commendation to Coach Little, Biggersville Principal Pete Seago, and the Alcorn County Board of Education. As a purely symbolic measure with no policy changes, it serves to honor the team's achievement.

Maddy summarySB 2822 changes Mississippi's alcohol permit rules by removing automatic disqualification for most felony convictions. Specifically, it states that a felony conviction (except for crimes of violence or drug law violations) no longer automatically blocks someone from getting an alcohol permit or becoming a manager. The bill adds that if 10 years have passed since the conviction, the Department of Revenue may consider the felony when reviewing other qualifications. This primarily affects individuals with past non-violent, non-drug-related felony convictions seeking to operate alcohol businesses.

Maddy summarySB 2508 allows mortgage originators working for licensed companies to perform loan origination work remotely (e.g., from home or other off-site locations) under specific security and supervision rules. It requires mortgage companies to implement strict safeguards, including secure digital connections (like encrypted VPNs), annual security audits, breach reporting within three business days, and compliance with federal privacy laws like the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The bill defines "remote location" and clarifies that remote work must follow company policies, with originators’ NMLS records designating the company’s main office as their registered location. This directly affects mortgage companies and their originators in Mississippi by expanding work locations while maintaining data security standards.

Maddy summarySB 2495 extends the repeal date of Mississippi's Credit Availability Act from 2025 to 2030 and increases the maximum outstanding principal balance for credit availability accounts from $2,500 to $3,250. It requires the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance to annually adjust this $3,250 cap each July 1 using the previous year's CPI-U (Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers), rounding up to the nearest $10 increment. This law directly affects licensed lenders offering small credit transactions and their account holders, who can now access slightly larger loan amounts that automatically adjust for inflation. The bill also updates fee structures and repayment terms for these accounts but does not change the $500 cap for smaller transactions.

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 is a ceremonial resolution (SC 524), not a policy bill. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to Jimmy Carter's family and commends his life, public service, and legacy following his passing. The resolution details his presidency (1977-1981), key achievements like the Camp David Accords, and post-presidency work through the Carter Center. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it is solely a symbolic gesture of remembrance. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi Legislature on March 5, 2025.