Sen. Joel Carter

Maddy summarySB 2309 amends Mississippi Code Section 49-17-743 to protect county authorities' existing powers over water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It prohibits the Public Service Commission from making rulings, rules, or decisions that interfere with these county authorities' operations. The bill clarifies that the Commission retains its authority to issue certificates of public convenience to entities other than county authorities. This change specifically affects county authorities managing utility systems and the Public Service Commission, ensuring county powers remain intact without limiting the Commission's other regulatory functions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 19) is a ceremonial commendation for the Gulfport High School Admirals football team. It formally recognizes their first-ever MHSAA 7A state championship win in 2025, secured by a walk-off victory over Tupelo on December 7, 2025, with 12 wins in the season. The resolution specifically commends the team and head coach Blake Pennock, and directs the resolution to be presented to the coach, principal, and school board. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it solely expresses legislative praise.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 21) formally commends the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College men's golf team for winning their second consecutive NJCAA Division II national championship. It specifically highlights their record-breaking season, including three national titles, 10 tournament wins, and multiple individual awards for players and coach Brad Thornton. The resolution also recognizes the team's academic achievements, including NJCAA Academic Team of the Year Honorable Mention. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only to express legislative praise and will be presented to college leadership.

Maddy summarySB 2057 prohibits wind power devices (like turbines) over 150 feet tall within any 100-square-mile area where 11 or more federally reported bird bands were collected in the past decade. It directly affects wind energy developers planning new projects in these designated zones, which are identified using bird banding data from the U.S. Geological Survey. The bill includes an exception for projects under construction or operational before July 1, 2026, and takes effect on that date. The law aims to balance renewable energy development with waterfowl conservation by restricting taller turbines in areas with significant bird activity.

Maddy summarySB 2030 extends cancer coverage benefits under Mississippi's First Responders Health and Safety Act to include active first responders and certain retired first responders. It adds that retired first responders who retired between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2026, qualify, plus those retiring after July 1, 2026, get coverage for up to five years post-retirement. The bill maintains existing benefit structures: $35,000 lump sums for advanced cancers (with metastasis or terminal diagnosis) and $6,250 for specific early-stage cancers, capped at $50,000 lifetime. Retired responders remain ineligible for disability benefits under the law.

Maddy summarySB 2080 would amend Mississippi law to permit certain employees of the Secretary of State's office - specifically those authorized to conduct investigations or regulatory enforcement - to carry firearms while performing their official duties. This change would add these employees to an existing list of state workers (like wildlife officers and some law enforcement personnel) already allowed to carry weapons under the same conditions. The bill does not alter current requirements, such as completing weapons training or passing background checks, which remain mandatory for all authorized firearm carriers. The bill was referred to committee but died there without further action.

Maddy summarySB 2061 would have defined "Hinshaw natural gas pipeline systems" (pipelines in Mississippi engaged in interstate commerce that are exempt from federal regulation under the Natural Gas Act of 1938) as public utilities under Mississippi law. This would have required these pipelines to seek approval from the Mississippi Public Service Commission for operations and certification, placing them under the Commission's regulatory jurisdiction. The bill directly affected Hinshaw pipeline operators by subjecting their services to state oversight previously not applied. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2528, the "Mississippi Farmland, Migratory Bird, and Rural Protection from Industrial Wind Facilities Act," prohibits new industrial wind facilities (defined as those ≥1 megawatt) from being sited within two miles of prime or unique farmland or in Mississippi Flyway high-risk zones identified for migratory birds. It requires wind facilities to maintain decommissioning plans with financial assurance, comply with wildlife protections, and adhere to setbacks from agricultural aviation areas and FAA obstruction evaluations. The bill directly affects developers of new industrial wind projects by restricting locations, mandating environmental safeguards, and imposing operational requirements. It establishes statewide standards to protect agricultural lands, water resources, and wildlife, while preempting local governments from authorizing prohibited siting. The bill did not advance beyond committee in 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2612 creates the Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund within the state treasury to support energy-related infrastructure projects. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) administers the fund, providing grants or loans to local entities (like counties or municipalities) for approved projects that improve energy infrastructure - such as transmission lines, substations, or equipment - aimed at boosting economic development. Projects must demonstrate "significant regional impact" or enhance site marketability, and electric utilities are explicitly barred from direct funding. The fund’s unspent balances carry over annually, and the MDA must report yearly on its use, with strict application requirements for applicants.

Maddy summarySB 2788 would require city-owned electricity and water utilities in Mississippi to undergo annual independent audits by third-party firms. These audits would assess financial and operational practices, with results reported to the Public Service Commission and public utilities staff by December 1 each year. Municipal utilities directly affected include all city-run water and energy systems operating under local government ownership. The bill, which died in committee in February 2026, would have imposed civil fines for non-compliance but never became law.