Sen. Mike Seymour

Maddy summarySB 3100 appropriates $371.8 million from Mississippi's General Fund to cover bank service charges and pay principal/interest on state bonds due between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. It also allocates $51.3 million from special funds for general obligation bonds and $41.7 million for revenue bonds maturing in fiscal 2027. The bill ensures timely payments to bondholders by directing the State Treasurer to disburse funds from specified accounts as scheduled. This is a routine funding measure for existing debt obligations, not a policy change.

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 summaryMississippi Senate Bill 2420 amends wildlife laws to extend hunting seasons ending on a Saturday until 30 minutes after sunset on the following Sunday. This applies to deer (Section 49-7-31), bobwhite quail and wild turkey (Section 49-7-31.2), squirrel and rabbits (Section 49-7-31.3), and fur-bearing animals (Section 49-7-31.4). The change only affects the end time of existing seasons when they conclude on Saturday, providing hunters an additional window on Sunday. It does not alter season dates, hunting methods, or regulations for these species.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 54 is a symbolic resolution by the Mississippi Senate commending Colonel William L. Henry for his 34 years of military service, including his role as Commander of Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center. It specifically honors his leadership during a Change of Command Ceremony on February 6, 2026, recognizing his service managing a major training site and deployments. The resolution will be presented to Colonel Henry, the Mississippi National Guard Adjutant General, and the incoming commander for display, with no new policies or obligations created. This is a ceremonial gesture of appreciation with no direct impact on legislation or affected parties.

Maddy summarySB 2422 allows Mississippi's Adjutant General to transfer state-owned property to counties, cities, or other local governments for exclusive use by a nonprofit organization that benefits the Mississippi Military Department or veterans. This bill amends existing law to explicitly permit such property transfers when they serve the best interests of military or veteran programs. The key provision expands the Adjutant General's authority to convey real property to local entities for nonprofit use, rather than restricting transfers to government agencies or educational institutions. The change would directly affect local governments, nonprofits serving veterans, and the state's military operations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

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 2436 requires Mississippi's wildlife agency (MDWFP) to manage black bear hunting through a formal season starting in 2027-2028. It mandates that all hunters - residents first (from 2027-2028) and nonresidents later (from 2032-2033) - must obtain a special "harvest tag" via a lottery system, based on population data. The bill limits nonresident tags to 10% of annual allocations and reserves one annual "Governor's Tag" for auction to fund bear habitat conservation. This directly affects hunters and establishes a structured, data-driven approach to bear population management.

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 2659 creates a new "Lifetime Conservationist Legacy License" for Mississippi residents aged 65 or older. This license allows seniors who are already exempt from standard hunting and fishing license requirements (due to age) to pay a minimum $250 fee to support conservation efforts. The license serves as proof of their exemption while enabling them to contribute to the Mississippi Wildlife Endowment Fund. The bill specifically amends Sections 49-7-153 and 49-7-151 of the Mississippi Code to establish this new option.

Maddy summarySB 2099 requires all Mississippi public school districts, charter schools, and specific state schools (like the Mississippi School for the Arts) to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during class or under school supervision by January 1, 2027. Schools must submit these policies to the State Department of Education, with noncompliance resulting in daily funding deductions from their total funding formula. Exceptions permit cell phone use for emergencies, medical necessity (verified by a healthcare provider), or as required in a student’s special education plan. The bill also prohibits suspending or expelling students solely for violating this policy, allowing suspension only as a last resort.