Sen. Joel Carter

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally commends Dr. Gabriel Posadas for being named "Instructor of the Year" at the George County Center of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The recognition highlights his distinguished service as a Biology Instructor over the past four years, based on nominations from students, faculty, and administrators regarding his teaching excellence and community contributions. The resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of his professional achievements and is intended to be presented to Dr. Posadas and shared with the college administration and press.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes and congratulates Vic A. Gauthreaux, Jr., an Information Systems Technology Instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Harrison County Campus, for being selected as "Instructor of the Year." The resolution acknowledges his ten years of service to the college, his educational background, and the award's selection criteria based on teaching excellence, college service, community service, and professional development. It directs that the resolution be presented to Mr. Gauthreaux, forwarded to the college president, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps. This is a ceremonial measure that honors an individual's achievement rather than establishing new policy or changing laws.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends Patrick Wilcher, a mathematics instructor and department chair at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Perkinston Campus, for receiving the "Instructor of the Year" award. The resolution formally recognizes his distinguished service and teaching excellence, which was selected through nominations from students, faculty, and administrators based on his performance in teaching, college service, community service, and professional development. The document directs that the resolution be presented to Mr. Wilcher, forwarded to the college president, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2272 exempts specific agricultural and logging items from Mississippi's 1.5% state sales tax, including livestock fencing materials and agricultural lime purchased by commercial farmers for farming use. The bill amends tax code sections to remove the 1.5% tax rate for these items and requires the Department of Revenue to create a permit application process for commercial farmers seeking the exemption. This directly affects commercial farmers buying qualifying materials, reducing their tax burden on essential farming supplies. The policy change is a concrete tax adjustment, not a new fee or mandate beyond the sales tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates former Mississippi State Senator Bobby Chamberlin on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The resolution recognizes his judicial career, including his service on the Mississippi Supreme Court and previous roles as a municipal judge and prosecutor. It also notes his confirmation by the U.S. Senate and includes a statement of support from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The resolution will be presented at Chamberlin's investiture ceremony and shared with the press.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally congratulates the 2026 St. Patrick High School Boys Soccer Team and their coach, Ryan Worsham, for winning the Class 1 State Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's first state title since 2017, highlighting key moments from their victory over St. Andrew's and listing the roster members who earned the honor. It directs that the resolution be presented to the school's administration and forwarded to the Board of Directors, serving as an official commendation rather than a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 2062, the Consumer Freedom of Choice Act, prohibits Mississippi local governments from banning or restricting the use of motor vehicles, tools (like generators and lawn mowers), and farm equipment (such as tractors and combines) based on their fuel source (e.g., gasoline, electric). It directly affects consumers, farmers, and businesses that rely on these items by preventing fuel-based restrictions in local regulations. The bill allows governments to enforce safety rules, illegal use prohibitions, and utility provider requirements, but not to deny permits or impose restrictions solely due to fuel type. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2527 requires solar energy companies (grantees) to plan for and cover the costs of removing solar panels and restoring land after a solar facility agreement ends. It mandates that agreements with landowners include specific financial guarantees - starting at 5% of removal costs when operations begin, increasing to 50% after 10 years, and 100% after 15 years - to ensure land restoration. The bill applies to all solar facilities 5MW or larger (excluding smaller projects unless specified in agreements) and prohibits contracts that waive a company’s liability for removal or restoration. It also prevents local governments from imposing stricter removal requirements than those set by the bill.

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.