Maddy summarySB 2279 clarifies Mississippi's existing prohibition against discharging firearms on streets, roads, highways, levees, or railroads (including their right-of-way areas) to align with constitutional interpretations under the Mississippi Constitution and the U.S. Second Amendment (citing *District of Columbia v. Heller* and *New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen*). It defines "right-of-way" as public areas extending to property lines and specifies misdemeanor penalties ($100-$500 fine or up to 6 months jail) for violations, while exempting law enforcement, self-defense, and lawful vehicle access. The bill did not create new restrictions but aimed to resolve potential conflicts between current law and constitutional rights. It died in committee on February 4, 2025, and never became law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2430 prohibits Mississippi counties and municipalities from using automated cameras or recording systems to monitor whether drivers maintain car insurance or impose fines for non-compliance. It specifically bans local governments from enacting ordinances that allow such technology to enforce insurance requirements, requiring existing systems used for this purpose to be removed by October 1, 2025. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 17-25-19 to clarify that "automated recording equipment" cannot be used to track insurance violations, distinct from existing rules about traffic signal or speed enforcement. This directly affects local law enforcement agencies and cities/counties that previously used automated systems for insurance-related enforcement. The bill, referred to committee in early 2025, has not yet become law.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 3) is a ceremonial commendation, not a policy bill. It formally honors the Poplarville High School Hornets football team and head coach Jay Beech for winning their first Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship on December 7, 2024, defeating Louisville 29-28. The resolution highlights their 13-2 season record, key players like MVP Tylan Keys, and the team's overcoming adversity. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Mississippi Senate's recognition of this athletic achievement.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Mississippi Governor to declare a state of emergency in counties suffering from severe economic losses due to a drought-induced pine beetle outbreak. The legislation cites extensive damage, including millions of dead trees, utility disruptions, and high costs for clearing roads and properties, as justification for the request. If approved, the declaration would allow the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to implement specific relief programs and resources to address the crisis. The bill was ultimately adopted by the Senate but did not advance further in the legislative process.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses and salaries for the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board and the Mississippi State Veterans Homes for the 2025 fiscal year. It authorizes specific staffing levels for both entities and includes strict rules to prevent using general funds to replace federal or special source money, while also ensuring no employee salaries fall below state minimums. Additionally, the legislation provides $250,000 to assist indigent or low-income veterans and eligible surviving spouses with care costs and grants the Board limited authority to transfer up to 25% of its budget between the Board and the Homes to manage cash reserves more efficiently.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $11 million from state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Gaming Commission for the 2025 fiscal year. The funding supports a permanent staff of 120 employees and includes specific rules to prevent salary increases for current workers, ensuring that new hires do not displace existing positions. Additionally, the legislation directs $75,000 to the Mississippi Council on Compulsive Gambling and establishes performance targets for regulating riverboat casinos and charitable bingo halls. The bill also mandates that the agency give preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods and services.
Maddy summaryThe SAFER Act establishes new state laws in Mississippi that require public schools and universities to maintain separate restrooms, changing facilities, and student housing spaces for males and females. Under this legislation, these areas must be designated exclusively for one sex or configured as single-occupant or family-use rooms with secure locks to ensure privacy. The law also restricts entry into these spaces, allowing access only for specific reasons such as assisting young children, responding to emergencies, or performing official government duties. Additionally, the bill defines terms like "female" and "male" based solely on biological sex determined at birth and mandates that social fraternities and sororities on public land adhere to these single-sex housing definitions.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides $5,374,870 in state funding to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi State Personnel Board for fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes the hiring of 46 permanent staff members and establishes strict rules to ensure that these funds are used only to fill vacant positions rather than for salary increases, promotions, or title changes for current employees. It also mandates that the Board publish projected payroll costs and requires written approval from the Department of Finance and Administration before any salary escalations can occur. Additionally, the bill includes a preference for purchasing goods from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and requires the agency to maintain detailed financial records.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services and the Wireless Communication Commission for the 2025 fiscal year. It authorizes the hiring of 132 permanent staff positions for the IT department and 10 for the Wireless Communication Commission, while establishing strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions of existing employees. The legislation also permits a limited transfer of up to $750,000 to help manage cash flow within the IT department's revolving fund and requires that all contracts follow state procurement laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates over $180 million in state funds to cover the general expenses and operations of the Mississippi National Guard for fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes the hiring of specific permanent and time-limited positions while prohibiting the use of general funds to replace federal salary support. Additionally, the bill directs money toward specific programs and facilities, including support for the Youth Challenge Program, the Armed Forces Military Museum, and renovations at the Southaven Armory and Youth Challenge Academy. It also establishes procedures for transferring funds to meet federal grant requirements and mandates a preference for purchasing goods from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal.