Sen. Mike Thompson

Maddy summarySB 2304 would have allowed Mississippi high school student-athletes to transfer to another school or school district once during their athletic eligibility without losing eligibility or facing penalties. It applied to all student-athletes in public secondary schools or schools belonging to the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA). The bill’s key provision permitted one transfer without requiring a waiting period or "redshirt" year, while still requiring compliance with other athletic participation rules like academic standards. The bill was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, but died in committee in February 2026.

Maddy summaryMississippi's SB 2398 would remove the annual sales cap and restrictions on internet/mail-order sales for home-based cottage food businesses. Currently, these operations cannot sell products via mail order, wholesale, or to retail stores, but the bill would eliminate those limits while keeping labeling requirements (like ingredient lists and the "not subject to safety regulations" statement). It directly affects small home-based food sellers who currently face sales restrictions but must still comply with federal labeling rules. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and is not yet law.

Maddy summarySB 2745, the "Mississippi Freedom Boater Law," changes how boating safety inspections are enforced. It prohibits officers from stopping or boarding boats solely to check safety equipment (like life jackets), making such violations a secondary offense (only enforceable if another primary offense occurs). Instead, it requires a new "Mississippi Freedom Boater" decal at vessel registration or renewal to prove safety compliance, which must be displayed near the registration decal. This law directly affects boaters (who must obtain the decal) and enforcement officers (who can only board vessels with probable cause for a primary or criminal offense).

Maddy summarySB 2833 would authorize Mississippi residents to purchase distinctive vehicle license tags supporting the Mississippi Sound Estuary Program, requiring an additional $30 fee per tag. This fee would fund the program ($24), the Mississippi Burn Care Fund ($1), the State Highway Fund ($2), and another special fund ($1) per tag sold. The bill applies only to residents who pay the extra fee and display the tag on their vehicle, with the tag design approved by both the state and the supported organization. (Note: The bill died in committee in February 2026.)

Maddy summarySB 2829 requires Mississippi vehicle owners to provide proof of liability insurance before receiving or renewing license tags or decals. This applies to all drivers seeking to register or renew vehicle registration in the state. The bill amends existing law to mandate that proof of insurance must be presented to the tax collector or state department before any tag or decal is issued. The requirement would have taken effect on July 1, 2026, but the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and is not currently law.

Maddy summarySB 2918 prohibits Mississippi Insurance Commissioner candidates, current commissioners, and department employees from accepting campaign contributions from insurance companies or entities regulated by the department. It also bans those regulated entities from donating to such campaigns, with violations punishable by fines of $5,000 or up to one year in jail. If a recipient unknowingly receives a prohibited contribution, they must return its value to the Secretary of State within 30 days to avoid penalties. The bill defines "campaign contributions" broadly to include gifts or debt cancellations meant to influence elections, but excludes routine inquiries to the department. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and never became law.