Sen. Joey Fillingane

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 resolution formally commends the Pearl River Community College (PRCC) Lady Wildcats Cheer Team and Head Coach Sarah Smith for winning their third UCA National Championship in four years (specifically noting their 2025 Game Day and Traditional titles). It directly affects the cheer team members, their coach, and PRCC leadership by recognizing their athletic achievement. The key mechanism is a symbolic Senate resolution adopted by Mississippi's legislature, expressing pride in the team's accomplishments and extending congratulations. As a procedural resolution, it contains no policy changes or funding provisions - its sole purpose is to honor the team's national championship success.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 79) formally honors Fire Chief John B. Pope III for serving 12 years as president of the Mississippi Firefighter's Association - the longest tenure of any elected president in the association's 101-year history. It recognizes his leadership in growing membership, increasing conference attendance, and strengthening the association's financial stability during his service from 2012 to 2024. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing legislative appreciation for his service to Mississippi firefighters and the state.

Maddy summarySB 2200, "Parker's Law," clarifies and strengthens Mississippi's criminal penalties for fentanyl delivery that causes death. It imposes a minimum 20-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine on individuals who deliver fentanyl knowing it will cause death (e.g., in exchange for money or goods). The law specifically excludes from prosecution anyone who seeks medical help for a fentanyl overdose in good faith, and clarifies it does not apply to drug users who share fentanyl with friends if the friend dies. The bill also removes a requirement for annual reporting on convictions related to this offense.

Maddy summarySB 2204 requires Mississippi law enforcement officers and businesses that buy, sell, lease, rent, store, or transport agriculture-related vehicles to report thefts, burglaries, or robberies of agriculture-related items - including vehicles, livestock, timber, grain, and chemicals - to the Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau. The bureau will maintain a centralized registry of these reports to improve tracking and investigation of agricultural thefts. The law becomes effective on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2311 creates new criminal offenses related to mail theft, counterfeit credit cards, and stolen financial instruments in Mississippi. It makes it illegal to steal mail, tamper with mail receptacles, possess stolen checks or sight orders, or traffic in counterfeit credit cards (including chip-enabled cards), with penalties including up to 5 years in prison or $5,000 fines for first offenses and increased penalties for repeat violations. The bill also mandates that convicted individuals pay full restitution to victims of these crimes. This law directly affects individuals committing these frauds and provides enhanced protections for victims of mail and payment card theft.

Maddy summarySB 2315 updates Mississippi's bail bond procedures to better protect bail bond companies (sureties) when defendants miss court appearances. It requires courts to notify sureties within 10 working days of a defendant's non-appearance, or the bond can be set aside; if notice is delayed, clerks must accept set-aside orders. The bill extends the time sureties have (30 days) to submit proof of defendant surrender or bond payment before their license can be revoked. These changes directly affect bail bond companies, courts, and defendants who fail to appear in criminal cases.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 505 is a ceremonial tribute honoring Emily Wagster Pettus for her 30-year career as a Capitol correspondent for The Associated Press in Mississippi. The resolution formally thanks her for covering legislative sessions, state government, and major events like Hurricane Katrina and civil rights trials. It recognizes her role in providing fair coverage, mentoring new reporters, and her service to Mississippi citizens. This resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a gesture of appreciation from the Mississippi Legislature.

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.