Sen. Dennis DeBar

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $466 million in state funds for Mississippi's Department of Corrections operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It allocates resources to fund salaries, maintenance, and services across all state correctional facilities - including Parchman Prison, South Mississippi Correctional Facility, and regional prisons - as well as medical services, parole operations, and community corrections programs. The funding comes from both the state General Fund and special funds designated for corrections. This is a routine budgetary measure to support existing correctional system operations, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7,222,072 for the Mississippi State Treasurer's Office operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically allocates $3,719,488 for employee salaries, wages, and benefits, authorizing 38 permanent staff positions including one new "Program Specialist III" role. The bill restricts how funds can be used - prohibiting their reallocation for promotions or salary increases beyond the budgeted amount - and requires compliance with the state's Variable Compensation Plan for salaries. It also includes $150,000 for investing in the Education Improvement Trust Fund.

Maddy summarySB 3104 allocates additional state funds to cover legal expenses related to specific court cases for multiple Mississippi state agencies. It provides $294,000 for the Attorney General's office to handle costs in cases like Curtis Flowers v. State and $720,000 for other legal matters including election-related lawsuits. Additional funds include $2.475 million for the Emergency Management Agency (for a settlement agreement) and $149,500 for Educational Television to cover related legal costs. The appropriations, covering fiscal years 2026-2027, are limited to existing legal obligations and do not create new policies.

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 summarySB 2288 expands Mississippi’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) incentive program to allow schools to use grants for purchasing equipment that supports programs leading to industry certifications. It directly affects public schools and students enrolled in CTE programs, providing $600 per student who earns a qualifying industry certification (defined as linked to high-demand occupations or meeting wage criteria). The bill requires annual reporting on student participation, certification attainment, and grant usage by schools, and extends the repeal date for the 2004 workforce consolidation act to 2029. These changes aim to strengthen workforce training by aligning CTE programs with local economic needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally commends Patrick Wilcher for receiving the "Instructor of the Year" award at the Perkinston Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The resolution recognizes Wilcher's distinguished service as a mathematics instructor and department chair who has worked at the college for nineteen years. It directs that the resolution be presented to Wilcher, forwarded to the college president, and made available to the press corps. This is a ceremonial measure with no changes to laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally commends and congratulates Vic A. Gauthreaux, Jr., an Information Systems Technology Instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Harrison County Campus. The resolution recognizes his selection as "Instructor of the Year," an award established by the college's Alumni Association based on nominations from students, faculty, and administrators. It highlights his ten years of employment at the college, his educational background, and his dedication to teaching excellence and community service. The resolution directs that the document be presented to Mr. Gauthreaux, forwarded to the college president, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution formally commends Dr. Linda Nix for being selected as "Instructor of the Year" at the Jackson County Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The resolution recognizes her nine years of service as a Science Instructor and highlights her academic credentials and prior teaching experience. It serves as an official acknowledgment of her teaching excellence and contributions to the college community, with the document to be presented to Dr. Nix and made available to the press.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that formally commends Dr. Gabriel Posadas for being selected as "Instructor of the Year" at the George County Center of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The resolution recognizes his distinguished service as a Biology Instructor and highlights his academic credentials and teaching experience. It directs that the resolution be presented to Dr. Posadas, forwarded to the college president, and made available to the press. This is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change, with no new laws or regulations being established.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Dr. Linda Nix for being selected as "Instructor of the Year" at the Jackson County Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The recognition highlights her nine years of service as a science instructor and acknowledges her background in biology education and prior teaching experience. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding, serving instead to honor her contributions to education and the college community.