Sen. Mike Seymour

Maddy summarySB 2619 removes restrictions requiring Mississippi state board appointing authorities to select candidates from lists generated by boards, commissions, or professional associations. It grants appointing authorities greater discretion to choose any qualified candidate without being bound by such lists, though they may still consider recommendations. This bill directly affects state board and commission appointing authorities by changing the process for filling vacancies. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2716 revises Mississippi's domestic abuse protection order laws to streamline emergency relief. It updates the definition of "abuse" to explicitly include cyberstalking, sexual offenses, and stalking, while clarifying that self-defense isn't considered abuse. The bill allows chancery courts to issue emergency protection orders immediately and requires sheriffs to serve these orders within 24 hours, prioritizing them over other duties. This directly affects victims of domestic abuse, courts handling these cases, and law enforcement responsible for service. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.

Maddy summarySB 2741 prohibits Mississippi state agencies and local governments from entering contracts that discriminate against firearm businesses or trade associations. It amends state law to ban counties and municipalities from adopting ordinances or contracts restricting firearm possession, carrying, transportation, sale, transfer, or ownership. The bill also creates a civil lawsuit for challenging violations of these protections and exempts law enforcement agencies from firearm regulations during official duties. This directly affects government entities (state agencies, counties, municipalities) and firearm-related businesses (manufacturers, retailers, trade associations).

Maddy summarySB 2856 prevents lenders from officially recording (perfected) car loan liens while a vehicle is under a valid statutory possessory lien, such as from a mechanic or repair shop for unpaid work. It requires lenders to either certify no such lien exists or obtain written consent from the lienholder before filing. If a lender violates this rule, their lien becomes unenforceable against the possessory lienholder and ranks below it. This bill directly affects car lenders, repair shops holding liens, and vehicle owners with multiple claims on their vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 2891 requires municipalities seeking to annex unincorporated territory to hold an election within that specific area, where only residents of the proposed annexation zone can vote. The annexation requires approval by 50% plus one of all voters in the election, and the municipality must pay all election costs. The bill also changes appeal procedures, requiring municipalities to cover attorney fees and court costs if they challenge election results in court. It repeals a prior requirement that annexation petitions be filed directly in chancery court. This bill directly affects residents in proposed annexation zones and municipalities pursuing boundary changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have required members of Mississippi's Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Council to recuse themselves from decisions involving organizations they're affiliated with, preventing conflicts of interest. The council reviews grant applications for opioid settlement funds and recommends recipients to the legislature. Specifically, it prohibited council members from influencing, voting on, or participating in recommendations for funds allocated to organizations connected to them. This change aimed to ensure impartiality in distributing settlement money meant for opioid abatement programs. (Note: The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026.)

Maddy summarySB 2913 would have allowed Native wineries and distilleries in Mississippi to ship their products directly to in-state residents without using the state's Alcohol Beverage Control Division. It expanded existing permits to cover up to two additional tasting rooms (requiring a separate permit for each) and clarified that the 24.5% markup rule does not apply to on-site retailer pickups. The bill required clear labeling for shipments, annual sales reporting, and record-keeping for three years, while prohibiting shipments to counties still under dry laws. It also set age requirements (21+) for purchases, mandated signature verification for delivery, and included penalties for violations like fines up to $1,000 per offense.

Maddy summarySC 515 proposes amending Mississippi's Constitution to reinstate the citizen initiative process, which was previously invalidated by the state Supreme Court. It would allow voters to directly propose statutory or constitutional amendments by collecting signatures equal to 25% of registered voters for statutes or 40% for constitutional changes, requiring petitioners to include home addresses and distributing signatures proportionally across congressional districts. The bill also restricts initiatives from altering the Bill of Rights, retirement systems, labor rights, or the initiative process itself, and mandates fiscal impact statements for proposed measures. This bill, referred to the Elections committee but died in committee in February 2026, directly affects Mississippi voters seeking to bypass the legislature for certain policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 2016 is an appropriation bill that allocates $722.7 million (combined General Fund and special source funds) to Mississippi’s Department of Mental Health for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It directly affects the department’s operations by funding staff salaries, mental health services, and specific programs like crisis centers and fentanyl education. Key provisions restrict the funds to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and vacancy funding), prohibit using General Funds to replace federal funds, and require strict adherence to the Variable Compensation Plan. The bill mandates efficient use of funds to meet performance targets, such as reducing unmet community mental health care access. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies but authorizes existing service delivery.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates April 2025 as "Child Abuse Awareness Month" in Mississippi and celebrates the 40th anniversary of CASA of Southeast Mississippi. It recognizes CASA’s work since 1985 providing advocacy and services to children impacted by abuse or neglect in Jackson, George, and Greene Counties. The resolution honors CASA’s expansion from emergency care to comprehensive support and its community partnerships with agencies like Child Protective Services. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy changes or direct legal effects - it serves only to formally acknowledge CASA’s legacy and promote awareness during April 2025.