Sen. Johnny DuPree

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding ceremonial resolution (SC 521) extending the Mississippi Legislature's congratulations to Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President Emeritus of Jackson State University (JSU) and the oldest living HBCU president. It formally recognizes his leadership as JSU's president from 1967-1984, his role in expanding the university's academic programs and infrastructure, and his status as a pioneering HBCU leader. The resolution celebrates his legacy, including founding JSU's ROTC program and his contributions to higher education during the civil rights era. It does not create any new policies or obligations - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for Dr. Peoples' service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution (SC 524) honoring Willie Totten and Jerry Rice, whose 1981-1985 partnership at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) revolutionized small-college football as the "Satellite Express." It recognizes Totten's record-setting passing (12,711 yards, 141 TDs) and Rice's historic receiving (4,693 yards, 50 TDs), which propelled Rice to NFL stardom and influenced modern offensive strategies. The resolution specifically commemorates their legacy at MVSU, an HBCU that overcame decades of struggles under Coach Archie Cooley's innovative no-huddle offense. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new policy or affect any current laws.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Milton Williams, Jr. for receiving the Northern Region Special Agent Citation. It recognizes his law enforcement career and community leadership, including founding the nonprofit organizations Men United and Women United to support youth in the Mississippi Delta. The resolution also highlights his family legacy in law enforcement and his service as a mentor and public servant. This is a ceremonial document that does not create new laws or change policy.

Maddy summarySB 2018 creates the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program, which reimburses actively drilling Mississippi National Guard members for their Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The program applies to members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select coverage who are not covered by another employer, with reimbursements paid at the current "Tricare Reserve Select - Member only" rate. The Adjutant General administers the program, requiring legislative funding each year and annual reports starting in 2026 to assess its impact on medical readiness and participation. This policy directly affects National Guard members by reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, aiming to support retention and readiness.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 526 is a symbolic resolution congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels football team and head coach Pete Golding for winning the 2025-2026 Sugar Bowl championship and finishing No. 3 in national rankings - the highest finish for an SEC team since 1962. It recognizes their 13-2 season, historic College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, and significance as the highest-ranked Ole Miss team in over six decades. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, commending the team's achievements without altering laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 2004, the Mississippi PERS Stability Act, transfers $500 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) on July 1, 2026, followed by annual $50 million transfers through 2036. If insufficient funds exist in the Capital Expense Fund, the state will use General Funds to ensure the full $50 million is transferred each year. This directly stabilizes funding for Mississippi's public employees' retirement system, which serves state and local government workers. The bill requires these specific, scheduled transfers to address long-term retirement system funding needs.

Maddy summarySB 2003 shortens the waiting period for retired Mississippi educators to return to teaching from 90 to 45 days. It removes requirements that retirees must have a minimum service history, teach only in districts with critical shortages, or work only in specific subject areas. The bill also sets a 65% cap on salary for returning retirees, adjusts pension liability payments, and allows school districts to cover health insurance premiums for these educators using local funds. These changes directly affect retired teachers seeking to return to classroom roles in Mississippi public schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the minimum salary for Mississippi public school teachers and assistant teachers starting in the 2026-2027 school year, establishing specific pay scales based on experience and license type (e.g., $43,500 for entry-level teachers with certain licenses). It requires school districts to maintain or increase local supplements and not pay assistant teachers below the state minimum salary, with potential funding reductions for violations. Additionally, the bill mandates a $2,000 annual salary increase for all full-time faculty at Mississippi's state colleges and universities.

Maddy summarySB 2286 consolidates Mississippi's Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement and Office of Dropout Prevention into a single office within the State Department of Education. It requires all school districts to implement statewide-approved dropout prevention programs by the 2026-2027 school year, focusing on reducing absenteeism and supporting at-risk students. The bill also establishes new minimum salary standards for school attendance officers and mandates monthly attendance reporting to the state office. These changes directly affect school districts, attendance officers, and the State Department of Education, aiming to standardize enforcement and prevention efforts across the state.

Maddy summarySB 2487 requires Mississippi schools to provide targeted reading support for students in grades 4-8 who struggle with reading proficiency. It mandates that schools create an Individual Reading Plan (IRP) within 30 days of identifying a reading deficiency, notify parents within 10 business days, and provide supplemental or intensive interventions based on the severity of the deficiency. The bill prohibits promoting students to ninth grade if their reading difficulties remain unaddressed by the end of eighth grade. It also establishes a state system to train educators - including literacy coaches, interventionists, and teachers - and ensures all required supports are grounded in evidence-based reading research.