Sen. Johnny DuPree

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to enter into a long-term lease agreement for city-owned property. The lease term can last up to 30 years, giving the city flexibility to manage its assets through extended leasing arrangements. The legislation applies specifically to the city's governing authorities, who will have the discretion to negotiate and finalize lease terms. Once passed, the bill takes effect immediately, allowing the city to proceed with leasing decisions without further legislative approval for each individual lease.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow veterans with disabilities to receive both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation without any reduction. Currently, federal law reduces one benefit dollar-for-dollar against the other for veterans medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service, affecting approximately 50,000 veterans. The proposed legislation would eliminate this offset, enabling eligible veterans to collect both types of benefits simultaneously. The resolution directs this request to federal leaders and the Mississippi congressional delegation for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Carroll E. Rhodes for his lifetime of service to civil rights and constitutional principles in Mississippi. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official legislative commendation recognizing Rhodes' career in legal advocacy and his contributions to voting rights and democratic participation. The resolution expresses the Mississippi Legislature's gratitude and admiration for Rhodes' work and intends to present the document to him as a symbol of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Forrest County Board of Supervisors in Mississippi to purchase radar speed detection equipment for the county sheriff's department. The equipment would be used to enforce speed limits on public county roads and state highways located outside city limits. The sheriff and deputies would be required to ensure the radar devices are properly certified, calibrated, and operated according to state laws and training standards. This legislation allows the county to use available funds for the purchase and enables law enforcement to utilize radar technology for traffic enforcement in unincorporated areas.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), expressing the Mississippi Legislature's condolences to Reverend Jesse Jackson's family following his death. It honors his legacy as a civil rights leader, including his work with the NAACP, voting rights advocacy, and mentorship of Black elected officials in Mississippi. The resolution contains no policy changes or mechanisms - it solely offers symbolic sympathy through formal language. It was introduced by multiple senators and references statements from figures like President Trump, Rep. Bennie Thompson, and Jackson Mayor John Horhn.

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 3064 allocates $137,774,071 in state funds to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), primarily for operational expenses. It specifically restricts $29,865,891 of these funds to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 425 authorized positions (379 permanent, 46 time-limited), with strict rules requiring the department to avoid exceeding budgeted personnel costs. The bill mandates that "Vacancy Funding" ($908,823) can only fill unfilled positions from the prior year - not fund raises or promotions - and requires State Personnel Board approval for any salary increases or position escalations. As a funding measure, it does not create new policies but sets procedural limits on how state funds may be spent for department staffing.

Maddy summarySB 3072 appropriates $704.7 million for Mississippi's Department of Mental Health for fiscal year 2027, combining $253.88 million from general funds and $450.85 million from special sources. Key allocations include $2.0 million for mental health training for law enforcement and court liaisons, $1.1 million for physician services at community centers, and $16.8 million for department operations and Medicaid payments. The bill specifies that funds must be used for "Personal Services" like salaries and cannot be diverted to other purposes, with strict limits on annual spending. It directly affects the Department of Mental Health and its ability to operate existing mental health programs and services.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission and its associated hotel/motel tax from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2031. The legislation directly affects the City of Hattiesburg and hotel or motel operators within the city that would be subject to the tax. Under the bill, a seven-member commission will be appointed by the mayor and ratified by the city council to oversee tourism promotion activities. The commission will consist of representatives from the hotel industry, chamber of commerce, university, and at-large members who serve without compensation. Hotel and motel operators will be required to pay a tax of up to 2% on overnight room rentals, which will be collected by the Department of Revenue and transferred to the city to fund the commission's operations.

Maddy summarySB 3062 allocates $68.16 million in state funds to support the Mississippi Community College Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically covers administrative expenses, the Greenville Higher Education Center ($542,459), geospatial licenses ($37,626), and the Workforce Education Program ($50.83 million), with funds sourced from the General Fund, Education Enhancement Fund, and other dedicated accounts. The bill also directs $30 million for postsecondary career education operations and requires budget submissions for FY2028 following FY2027 standards. It prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement.