Sen. Mike Seymour

Maddy summarySB 2292 requires all Mississippi public and charter schools to teach civics courses starting in 8th grade and before 12th grade, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. The bill mandates instruction on U.S. and Mississippi constitutions, government structures (including federalism and separation of powers), historical context, critical thinking skills, and civil discourse. The State Department of Education will develop and update curriculum standards to align with current civics scholarship, renaming existing U.S. Government courses to "United States Government and Civics." This policy directly affects all K-12 students and school staff in Mississippi's public and charter schools.

Maddy summaryMississippi Senate Bill 2293 amends the state's student funding formula to increase the weight and multiplier for gifted education funding. It requires that all funds allocated under this revised calculation go directly toward gifted education instruction in schools. The bill also adds seventh- and eighth-grade students enrolled in career and technical education courses to the calculation for those funds. This change affects all Mississippi public school districts serving students identified as gifted, increasing their per-pupil funding for specialized gifted programs. The bill does not specify the exact new percentage but revises the existing 14.5% weight calculation method.

Maddy summarySB 2484, the BRIDGE Act, creates a framework for developing regional schools in Mississippi focused on two distinct needs: specialized education for students with disabilities (including dyslexia, autism, and IEPs) and career/technical education (CTE) programs. The Mississippi Department of Education must conduct a statewide study by October 2026 to identify partnership opportunities with school districts, universities, and workforce entities, and propose governance, staffing, and funding plans. The bill prioritizes rural and underserved areas (counties without cities over 15,000 people) for pilot programs. It aligns both programs with federal special education laws (IDEA, Section 504) and state CTE standards, aiming to address teacher shortages and expand access to specialized learning and workforce training.

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.

Maddy summarySB 3190 would exempt retail sales of firearm safes from Mississippi's state sales tax. This means consumers purchasing firearm safes would no longer pay the 7% state sales tax on these items. The bill amends Section 27-65-111 of the Mississippi Code to add firearm safes to the existing list of tax-exempt items, such as medical supplies and educational materials. This change directly affects firearm safety retailers and consumers who buy safes for home or business storage.

Maddy summarySB 3113 exempts all sales of tangible personal property and services to Beauvoir (the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library) from Mississippi's state sales tax. The bill amends Section 27-65-111 of the Mississippi Code to add Beauvoir to the list of tax-exempt entities, similar to existing exemptions for hospitals and schools. This change directly affects Beauvoir by removing a sales tax burden on its operational purchases, including goods and services. The exemption applies broadly to all taxable items purchased by Beauvoir without additional restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 2944 appropriates $6.9 million from the state General Fund to Harrison County for road improvements along U.S. Highway 49. Specifically, it funds corridor upgrades from U.S. Highway 49 west to the West Wortham Road/Robinwood Drive intersection and the Old Highway 49 intersection, benefiting local residents and traffic in that Harrison County corridor. The funds are designated for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), with payment processed through the State Treasurer. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new regulations or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.13 million from the Mississippi General Fund to the City of Wiggins for sewer infrastructure improvements between U.S. Highway 49 and the West Lagoon. It directly affects Wiggins residents and local infrastructure by covering costs for this specific sewer project. The funds are allocated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, to be paid through state warrants. The bill is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions or requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2976 appropriates $150,000 from Mississippi's General Fund to Stone County for the purchase and installation of fire hydrants in the Big Level and Magnolia communities. This funding is specifically for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects residents of these two communities by enabling improved fire safety infrastructure. It is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes or new regulations, solely providing state resources for a local infrastructure project.

Maddy summarySB 2861 increases Mississippi's income tax credit for private landowners who plant eligible trees (pine or hardwood) using approved reforestation methods like seedling planting, mixed-stand regeneration, or direct seeding. It raises the annual credit limit to $20,000 per taxpayer (with a lifetime cap of $125,000) for costs related to these practices on nonindustrial private lands. Landowners must follow a written reforestation plan verified by a certified forester and cannot claim the credit if they received state/federal cost-share funds for the same work (unless their income is below federal earned income levels). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, directly benefiting private forest landowners seeking tax savings for sustainable tree planting.