Sen. Philman Ladner

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 2272 exempts specific agricultural and logging items from Mississippi's 1.5% state sales tax, including livestock fencing materials and agricultural lime purchased by commercial farmers for farming use. The bill amends tax code sections to remove the 1.5% tax rate for these items and requires the Department of Revenue to create a permit application process for commercial farmers seeking the exemption. This directly affects commercial farmers buying qualifying materials, reducing their tax burden on essential farming supplies. The policy change is a concrete tax adjustment, not a new fee or mandate beyond the sales tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates former Mississippi State Senator Bobby Chamberlin on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The resolution recognizes his judicial career, including his service on the Mississippi Supreme Court and previous roles as a municipal judge and prosecutor. It also notes his confirmation by the U.S. Senate and includes a statement of support from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The resolution will be presented at Chamberlin's investiture ceremony and shared with the press.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates the Saint Stanislaus Rock-a-Chaws boys basketball team and head coach Daniel Grieves for winning the 2026 Class 3A State Championship. The resolution formally recognizes the team's victory over Quitman High School in the championship game and highlights the team's historic achievement as the first Class 3A state title since 2011. It also acknowledges the individual contributions of key players and lists the full roster and coaching staff for the record. The resolution will be presented to the team's leadership and made available to the press as an official record of the state's recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates the St. Patrick High School Lady Irish Girls Soccer Team and standout player Meredith Tindell for winning their fourth consecutive state championship in 2026. The resolution formally recognizes the team's undefeated playoff performance and their overall season record of 18-4-4, highlighting key players and coaching staff who contributed to the achievement. It directs that the resolution be presented to the team, coaches, and school administration while also making it available to the Capitol Press Corps for public record.

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 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 2236 requires Mississippi public schools and charter schools (including those with athletic programs) to update their emergency response plans to include procedures for choking emergencies using FDA-registered airway clearance devices (ACDs). Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools must develop "Cardiac and Choking Emergency Response Plans" (CCERPs) that specify ACD placement, staff training on ACD use, and integration with local emergency services. The bill defines ACDs as portable devices cleared by the FDA for removing airway blockages during choking incidents. Schools may accept donations to purchase these devices and cover related training costs. This affects all students and staff in Mississippi public schools who might experience choking emergencies on school grounds.

Maddy summarySB 3112 creates an income tax credit for Mississippi charter boat operators and commercial fishermen who pay fuel taxes on fuel used on waterways (not roads). The credit equals the amount of fuel taxes paid under specific state fuel tax laws for water-based operations. Unused credit can be carried forward for up to five years, but cannot exceed the taxpayer's annual state income tax liability. To claim the credit, businesses must apply with the Department of Revenue, providing proof of fuel taxes paid and a valid license.