Sen. Dennis DeBar

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally commends Dr. Gabriel Posadas for being named "Instructor of the Year" at the George County Center of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The recognition highlights his distinguished service as a Biology Instructor over the past four years, based on nominations from students, faculty, and administrators regarding his teaching excellence and community contributions. The resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of his professional achievements and is intended to be presented to Dr. Posadas and shared with the college administration and press.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes and congratulates Vic A. Gauthreaux, Jr., an Information Systems Technology Instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Harrison County Campus, for being selected as "Instructor of the Year." The resolution acknowledges his ten years of service to the college, his educational background, and the award's selection criteria based on teaching excellence, college service, community service, and professional development. It directs that the resolution be presented to Mr. Gauthreaux, forwarded to the college president, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps. This is a ceremonial measure that honors an individual's achievement rather than establishing new policy or changing laws.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends Patrick Wilcher, a mathematics instructor and department chair at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Perkinston Campus, for receiving the "Instructor of the Year" award. The resolution formally recognizes his distinguished service and teaching excellence, which was selected through nominations from students, faculty, and administrators based on his performance in teaching, college service, community service, and professional development. The document directs that the resolution be presented to Mr. Wilcher, forwarded to the college president, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.

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 summarySB 3085 appropriates $4,663,433 from state funds to the Mississippi State Board of Public Contractors for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), covering operational expenses. It specifically allocates $1,293,775 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for 18 authorized staff positions, with strict rules prohibiting use for promotions, salary increases, or title changes for current employees. The bill requires the Board to comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensures funds cannot exceed the FY2027 appropriation for personnel costs without legislative approval. It also mandates detailed accounting records and prohibits using these funds to replace federal or other special funds.

Maddy summaryMississippi Senate Bill 2895 manages unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds by requiring state agencies to report on unused funds by October 2025 and directing the transfer of available funds to specific new accounts by September 30, 2026. It creates dedicated funds like the ARPA-MDOT Maintenance Project Fund and extends deadlines for programs such as hospital sustainability grants and rural water infrastructure projects. The bill mandates grant recipients to certify they will complete projects by specified dates or use other funds if not finished on time. It affects state agencies administering ARPA programs and local governments or organizations receiving these grants. The legislation ensures all ARPA funds are fully expended by December 31, 2026, through structured reporting and reallocation.

Maddy summarySB 3097 appropriates $5,373,698 from the state general fund to cover the State Personnel Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds specifically support personnel costs, including employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled positions authorized as of June 2026. The bill restricts spending to prevent exceeding the budgeted amount for "Personal Services" and requires the Board to publish annual cost projections based on payroll data. It ensures no salary reductions below the Board's minimum standards and prohibits using general funds to replace other funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9,771,233 from the state General Fund and $1,673,699 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2027. It specifically restricts the use of these funds - requiring all "Personal Services" money (covering staff salaries, benefits, and approved vacancies) to stay within authorized headcount levels (113 permanent positions) and prohibiting salary increases for current employees. The funds must not be used for promotions, title changes, or replacing federal funds, and any new hires must utilize designated "Vacancy Funding" rather than increasing overall salary budgets. The commission must comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensure spending aligns with the approved budget for FY2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $188,645 from the state treasury to fund the Mississippi State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $40,000 to replace and upgrade the board’s licensing management system. The bill requires the board to maintain detailed financial records, comply with budget laws, and give preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods or services.

Maddy summarySB 3076 appropriates $367,353,926 for Mississippi's Office of State Aid Road Construction within the Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically allocates $5,351,418 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for 54 authorized staff positions, with strict rules preventing transfers to other budget categories or using funds for promotions/salary increases for current employees. The bill also authorizes up to $500,000 in reimbursements from the Mississippi Development Authority for engineering services provided to local governments. This is a funding bill, not a policy change, focused solely on budget allocation for road construction office operations.