Sen. Don Hartness

Maddy summaryMississippi's Senate Concurrent Resolution 530 is a state application to Congress requesting it call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution specifically asks for an amendment to set term limits for U.S. House and Senate members - capping the number of terms a person may serve in each chamber. This application is part of a broader state effort to aggregate support from other states seeking the same constitutional change, aiming to reach the two-thirds threshold of states required to compel Congress to convene such a convention. The resolution does not create term limits itself but formally urges Congress to initiate the process.

Maddy summarySB 2632 is a procedural bill that reorganizes existing sections of Mississippi's Emergency Management Law (Mississippi Code of 1972) by moving specific code sections (33-15-1 through 33-15-53) to new positions in the code. It does not change the content or policy of these sections, which cover definitions, purposes, and structure of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The bill’s sole purpose is to facilitate future amendments by updating the code’s numbering. This reorganization affects the legal code itself, not individuals or entities, and requires no action from the public or agencies.

Maddy summarySB 3051 allocates $86.8 million in state funds for Mississippi's Department of Finance and Administration to cover operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically sets $25.98 million for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits), requiring the department to stay within this budget when annualizing personnel costs and using vacancy funds *only* to fill open positions - not for raises or promotions. The bill mandates strict compliance with the State Personnel Board’s Variable Compensation Plan and prohibits exceeding the allocated funds without legislative approval for new positions or programs. This funding mechanism directly affects state employees and department budgeting practices, ensuring salary spending aligns with fiscal constraints.

Maddy summarySB 3093 appropriates $1,918,372 from general funds and $1,226,949 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Board of Animal Health's expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill primarily funds salaries, wages, and benefits for the Board’s staff, with strict limits requiring all allocated funds to be used for "Personal Services" and prohibiting transfers to other budget categories. It mandates that the Board maintain headcount levels (23 permanent and 5 time-limited positions) and ensures no employee’s salary falls below the state minimum, while requiring detailed accounting of all expenditures. This is a funding bill, not a policy change, directly affecting the Board’s budget operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9,545,229 from the State General Fund and $18,998,335 from special sources for Mississippi's Department of Agriculture and Commerce for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It directly funds the department’s operations, including divisions like Plant Industry, Fair Commission, Livestock Coliseum, and the Agriculture Museum. Key provisions restrict $14,954,881 of the total to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits), requiring strict adherence to budget limits and prohibiting use for promotions or salary increases for current staff. Funds must cover authorized headcounts (215 permanent, 13 time-limited positions) without exceeding appropriations, with specific rules for filling vacancies using "Vacancy Funding."

Maddy summarySB 2898 directs the State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer to transfer $20 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund upon the bill's effective date. This technical amendment reallocates existing state funds without creating new programs or changing eligibility for disaster assistance. The transfer affects state budget accounting by moving money between two designated funds (Fund No. 6499C00000 to Fund No. 3372500000) to support disaster response resources. The bill has no direct impact on citizens or businesses but modifies how state funds are allocated. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Steve Knight, a legendary basketball coach at William Carey University, as he retires after a 44-year career. The resolution recognizes his achievements, including leading the Crusaders to multiple conference championships and NAIA National Tournament appearances, and celebrates his 800th career victory. It also acknowledges his additional contributions as Athletic Director for 30 years and his induction into various halls of fame.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates former Mississippi State Senator Bobby Chamberlin on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The resolution recognizes his judicial career, including his service on the Mississippi Supreme Court and previous roles as a municipal judge and prosecutor. It also notes his confirmation by the U.S. Senate and includes a statement of support from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The resolution will be presented at Chamberlin's investiture ceremony and shared with the press.

Maddy summarySB 3052 appropriates $3,223,525 from the State General Fund and $638,140 from Special Funds to cover expenses for the Governor's Office, staff, and operation of the Governor's Mansion during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill authorizes 46 positions (39 permanent, 7 time-limited) for the Governor's Office and requires adherence to standard accounting and reporting practices. It also mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement when bids are equal. This is a routine funding measure with no substantive policy changes.