Sen. Daniel Sparks

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution extends the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Warner Alford, Jr., a former University of Mississippi Athletic Director who passed away in March 2026. The resolution recognizes Alford's extensive contributions to Ole Miss athletics, including his 16-year tenure as director during which he expanded the program from eight to 15 sports and oversaw significant facility improvements. It also highlights his numerous honors, including inductions into multiple halls of fame, and notes his continued service to the university after retirement through alumni work and scholarship programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends the Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils girls basketball team and head coach Michael Smith for winning back-to-back MHSAA Class 3A state championships in 2025 and 2026. The bill recognizes the team's recent success, including their 2026 championship victory where they defeated Belmont High School 54-31, and highlights key players like Lamaya Southward, who was named state MVP. It also acknowledges the coaching staff and lists the full roster of student-athletes who contributed to the team's achievements. The resolution serves as an official congratulatory gesture from the Mississippi Senate to the school, coaches, and community members involved.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally commends the Ole Miss Women's Rifle Team and Coach Will Shaner for winning the program's first-ever NCAA team title in the smallbore event. It also recognizes team member Audrey Gogniat for defending her individual air rifle national championship. The resolution acknowledges the team's historic achievements at the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including multiple podium finishes and individual high scores. This document serves as an official gesture of appreciation from the Mississippi State Legislature to the athletes and coaching staff for their accomplishments.

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 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 Senate resolution congratulates former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Maxwell on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The document recognizes his extensive legal career, including his service on the state Supreme Court from 2016 to 2025 and his prior appointment to the Mississippi Court of Appeals. It also notes his academic background, professional leadership roles in legal organizations, and community involvement. The resolution will be presented at his investiture ceremony and shared with the public and media.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $690,254 from the state general fund to cover the operational costs of Mississippi's Board of Tax Appeals for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically designates $609,399 for staff salaries and benefits, limiting the board to six permanent employees. The bill requires strict adherence to this budget, prohibits using funds for non-salary purposes like promotions, and mandates detailed financial reporting to ensure compliance with state personnel salary standards. It does not change tax laws or policies but provides funding for the board's administrative operations.

Maddy summarySB 3087 allocates $12.27 million in state funds for Mississippi's Department of Audit to cover salaries and operational expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifies $7.89 million from General Funds and $5.06 million from Special Funds, with all funds restricted to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) for 134 authorized positions. It requires strict adherence to the state's Variable Compensation Plan and prohibits using these funds for promotions, salary increases, or replacing federal funds. As a purely procedural appropriations bill, it does not create new policies or directly affect citizens or public offices beyond funding the audit department's mandated oversight work.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life and legacy of Robert H. 'Bob' Dunlap, a Mississippi businessman and philanthropist who passed away on January 11, 2026. The resolution formally recognizes Dunlap's contributions as the former CEO of Dunlap & Kyle Co., a major tire distributor, and acknowledges his extensive charitable work including scholarships, community support, and conservation efforts. It extends the Senate's sympathy to Dunlap's family and directs the resolution to be presented to his surviving family, the city of Batesville, and the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summarySB 3092 allocates specific funds for existing livestock shows across Mississippi during fiscal year 2027. It provides $1.2 million for the Dixie National Livestock Show, $64,890 for junior livestock events, $30,000 for county shows (capped at $2,000 per county), $65,000 for district shows, and $8,500 for dairy shows. The bill mandates that county show funds require adequate facilities, guarantee minimum prize amounts, and reserve 75% of district/dairy funds for 4-H and school participants. It specifies strict payout rules, including reimbursement requirements and equal prize distribution for comparable livestock classes.