Sen. Joey Fillingane

Maddy summarySB 2312 would have created a new felony offense called "chemical endangerment" for knowingly exposing a child to controlled substances during drug sales, manufacturing, or possession. It specifically targets caregivers (like parents or guardians) who allow children to be present in such settings when the exposure causes "substantial harm" to the child's physical, mental, or emotional health, or results in the child's death. The bill included an exemption for mothers who expose their unborn children to prescribed medications taken as directed by a physician. This legislation died in committee in February 2025 and never became law.

Maddy summarySB 2203 would create two new criminal offenses in Mississippi: "loitering" and "aggressive panhandling." Loitering covers lingering in public spaces without reason (e.g., near schools without permission, on sidewalks in harassing ways, or for illegal activities like gambling), while aggressive panhandling criminalizes tactics like touching someone without consent, blocking paths, following people who walk away, or threatening fear of harm to get donations. Penalties include up to 30 days in jail or $500 for first offenses, increasing to 90 days or $1,000 for repeat panhandling violations. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and is not currently law.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Mississippi Court of Appeals' establishment (1994), recognizing its role in resolving the Mississippi Supreme Court's appeal backlog and efficiently handling appellate caseloads. It highlights the court's achievement of issuing over 15,000 merit opinions with an average processing time of 200 days since its inception. The resolution formally honors the court's accomplishments, including its community outreach programs and the dedication of its judges and staff over three decades. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the right to vote to Kenneth Edward Barnes of Walthall County, Mississippi, who was previously disqualified in 1977 due to a conviction for grand larceny. The legislation states that Barnes has served his sentence, been released from prison, and has since lived as a law-abiding citizen. By passing this act, the state removes the voting ban associated with his past criminal record, allowing him to participate in elections again.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Mississippi law to give the Commissioner of Revenue the authority to require licensed alcohol sellers to use a third-party age-verification app on their premises. The app must meet a minimum 85% accuracy standard and is intended to help staff determine if a customer is at least 21 years old before selling alcohol. The legislation also clarifies existing penalties for selling alcohol to minors and outlines specific fines and license suspensions for repeat violations. Additionally, it maintains current rules regarding penalties for underage possession and purchasing, including driver's license suspensions for those under 21 who are convicted of buying alcohol.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide death benefits to Mississippi law enforcement officers and firefighters who die or suffer fatal injuries while performing official duties. It increases the base death benefit payment to $150,000 and allows for an additional $25,000 per child, with a maximum total payout of $250,000, while also authorizing up to $15,000 for funeral expenses. The legislation creates a separate fund for training and equipment grants, directing any money remaining in the death benefits trust after maintaining a $4 million minimum balance to support enhanced training or safety gear for covered individuals.

Maddy summaryThe SAFER Act establishes new state laws in Mississippi that require public schools and universities to maintain separate restrooms, changing facilities, and student housing spaces for males and females. Under this legislation, these areas must be designated exclusively for one sex or configured as single-occupant or family-use rooms with secure locks to ensure privacy. The law also restricts entry into these spaces, allowing access only for specific reasons such as assisting young children, responding to emergencies, or performing official government duties. Additionally, the bill defines terms like "female" and "male" based solely on biological sex determined at birth and mandates that social fraternities and sororities on public land adhere to these single-sex housing definitions.

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi bill updates sentencing rules for juvenile offenders convicted of murder to comply with U.S. Supreme Court rulings that prohibit the death penalty for those under eighteen. It establishes that juveniles convicted of first-degree or capital murder after July 1, 2024, can only be sentenced to life imprisonment or a specific term of years, removing the option of the death penalty for this age group. The legislation also clarifies procedures for recusal by attorneys during grand jury selection to ensure fair impaneling. Additionally, the bill mandates that death penalty sentencing proceedings must explicitly confirm the defendant was at least eighteen years old at the time of the crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the authority of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to enforce state laws and city ordinances on various state-owned properties, including the Capitol Complex, the Governor's mansion, and specific buildings for the Department of Agriculture and Department of Revenue. It removes the previous requirement for written approval from state police leadership to secure events near state buildings, allowing for more flexible security arrangements. Additionally, the legislation provides for the compensation of judges in the CCID Inferior Court and establishes a fee structure for security services provided at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.