Sen. Mike Seymour

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses support for transferring authority from the U.S. Department of Education to state governments and urges Congress to cooperate with that goal. The document cites the Tenth Amendment as constitutional basis for state control over education, which is not a federal responsibility. It references concerns about federal regulations and spending while highlighting declining student reading scores as context for why states should manage education policy. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal statement of position rather than creating new laws or funding changes.

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 2263 requires Mississippi Department of Marine Resources officers to have probable cause before boarding any vessel or stopping a boat. This directly affects marine law enforcement officers who previously could board vessels without probable cause under existing rules. The bill amends two sections of Mississippi law (59-21-127 and 59-23-5) to add this requirement, making it illegal to board or stop a vessel without reasonable suspicion of a boating safety violation. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not change other provisions like chemical testing for boating under the influence.

Maddy summarySB 2409 creates the "Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program" within the Mississippi Department of Insurance to provide financial grants for homeowners and commercial property owners to retrofit structures against hurricane, tornado, and other windstorm damage. The bill increases grant amounts to $15,000 per home, replaces the previous "Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program," and establishes a dedicated "Strengthen Mississippi Homes Fund" funded partly by increased insurance agent fees. Property owners must be insurable, and insurance companies must notify clients about the program within 30 days of filing discount schedules. The program requires the Department of Insurance to set eligibility rules, prioritize grants based on reducing state risk, and report annually on grants awarded and homes retrofitted.

Maddy summarySB 3095 appropriates $28,041,412 from the General Fund and $21,487,878 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services' (DITS) expenses for fiscal year 2027. The bill directly affects state agencies that rely on DITS for telecommunication, data center, and other IT services, funding their operations through these allocations. Key provisions restrict $12,034,227 of the total to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 136 permanent staff positions, with strict rules preventing overspending or using these funds for promotions or salary increases beyond authorized headcounts.

Maddy summarySB 3098 appropriates $15.12 million from Mississippi's General Fund and $24.06 million from special funds to cover the Secretary of State's office expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $7.82 million for employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill authorized positions (96 permanent and 11 temporary roles), with strict rules preventing fund transfers to other categories or exceeding budget limits. The bill requires the office to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and prohibits using these funds to replace federal or other special funds. As a funding measure, it does not change the Secretary of State's duties or create new policies.

Maddy summarySB 3096 appropriates $260.6 million in state funds for Mississippi National Guard operations during fiscal year 2027, covering general expenses and specific programs. It directly funds the Mississippi National Guard, Camp Shelby facilities, the Youth Challenge Program ($2.34 million), the Armed Forces Military Museum ($663,124), and the State Educational Assistance Program ($5.3 million). The bill prohibits using general funds to reimburse National Guard members for training costs (requiring federal funds instead) and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement. All funds must comply with existing state budget laws and be reported annually to legislative committees.

Maddy summarySB 3101 appropriates $5,940,191 from the State General Fund and $22,189,165 from special funds to cover the salaries and operating expenses of Mississippi's State Veterans Affairs Board and State Veterans Homes for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically allocates $4,941,898 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits), restricting these funds to 39 permanent and 25 time-limited staff positions without transfer to other budget categories. It mandates that "Vacancy Funding" ($236,833) must only fill unfilled positions from the prior year, not fund promotions or salary increases for current employees. The bill also requires compliance with Mississippi's Variable Compensation Plan and prohibits using general funds to replace federal or special funds.

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 summaryMississippi's SB 2114 creates new state felony offenses for undocumented immigrants who enter the state directly from a foreign nation without using a legal port of entry, or who are arrested for certain crimes while unlawfully present in the U.S. The bill requires state law enforcement to coordinate with federal immigration authorities through a formal agreement (modeled on the federal 287(g) program) and mandates the Department of Public Safety to track the identities and backgrounds of undocumented residents. It also directs courts to order convicted individuals to be deported and transferred to state corrections for repatriation, while banning eligibility for expungement or early release programs. This law directly affects undocumented immigrants in Mississippi and shifts enforcement responsibilities to state agencies under state criminal law.