Sen. Don Hartness

Maddy summarySB 2305 would have required Mississippi public school boards to allow a Christian Bible provided by an external entity (not the school district) to be visible in all classrooms and libraries. It also mandated daily recitation of the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance - including the phrase "under God" - and required teaching a new state pledge referencing "Almighty God." The bill aimed to enforce these provisions through school board compliance measures and reporting requirements. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.

Maddy summarySB 2394, a proposed Mississippi bill, would allow home-based food sellers to increase their annual sales limit from an unspecified lower amount to $120,000 without needing a full food establishment permit. It requires all cottage food sellers to complete certified food safety training (with existing sellers having until October 2026 to comply) and lists specific approved foods like baked goods, jams, dried spices, and wine. The bill also mandates detailed product labeling, prohibits direct online sales (though advertising online is allowed), and exempts homemade wine sold through cottage food operations from certain local restrictions. This bill, which died in committee in February 2026, would have directly affected small home-based food businesses operating within Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2593 (proposed in Mississippi) would restrict voting in partisan primary elections to voters registered with that political party. It requires all voters to declare a party affiliation on a standardized state registration form, with unaffiliated voters only allowed to participate in nonpartisan elections held alongside primary dates. The bill also mandates that political parties annually specify primary eligibility rules and imposes penalties for voting in a primary for a party different from one's registration. This bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2831 would have required Mississippi veterans discharged from active duty (not retired) to provide a copy of their DD-214 discharge paperwork when applying for military distinctive license tags. This amendment specifically targeted non-retirement discharges, replacing the previous "other proof" requirement with the mandatory DD-214 document. The change applied only to those discharged without retirement, while retired veterans would continue to use retirement orders or DD-214 as before. The bill amended Section 27-19-51 of Mississippi law but died in committee in February 2026 without becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 2891 requires municipalities seeking to annex unincorporated territory to hold an election within that specific area, where only residents of the proposed annexation zone can vote. The annexation requires approval by 50% plus one of all voters in the election, and the municipality must pay all election costs. The bill also changes appeal procedures, requiring municipalities to cover attorney fees and court costs if they challenge election results in court. It repeals a prior requirement that annexation petitions be filed directly in chancery court. This bill directly affects residents in proposed annexation zones and municipalities pursuing boundary changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Mississippi Senate's support for the Beth Israel Congregation following an arson attack on their Jackson building on January 10, 2026. It condemns attacks on houses of worship as violations of religious freedom and references statements from Governor Reeves and Jackson Mayor Horhn condemning antisemitism and hate crimes. The resolution formally offers sympathy to the congregation and directs the Senate to transmit its support to the congregation's board and Mississippi's Public Safety Commissioner. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 10) formally commemorates Mississippi College's bicentennial in 2026, marking 200 years since its founding on January 24, 1826. It honors the institution's history as Mississippi's oldest college and the second oldest Baptist college in the U.S., highlighting its contributions to education, its Christian mission, and its role in developing leaders across Mississippi. The resolution has no policy or funding provisions - it is purely ceremonial, extending recognition to the college's students, faculty, and administration. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate in early 2026 with no reported opposition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 11) honors Ann Alexander, a board member of Friends of Mississippi Veterans, for her dedicated service to Mississippi veterans. It formally recognizes her role in founding and supporting the organization, which helped establish the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery and assisted the Veterans Home System. The resolution, adopted by the Mississippi Senate in January 2026, extends official thanks to her and the group for their lasting impact on veterans in the state. It does not create new laws or alter policies - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment with no direct effect on legislation or beneficiaries.