Sen. Daniel Sparks

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Mississippi state agencies to report remote workers' details (names, titles, schedules) to the State Personnel Board and mandates employees work from offices at least three days weekly, except for those covered by disability laws. Agencies must implement approved remote work policies covering confidentiality, supervisory oversight, public contact, and safety protocols. The State Personnel Board must create binding rules for compliance and annually report remote work usage to legislative committees. These requirements apply to all state agencies under the Personnel Board's oversight, removing a prior 2028 sunset date.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating April 24, 2025, as "Reman Day" in Mississippi. It does not create new laws or requirements; instead, it symbolically encourages businesses, schools, and communities to recognize remanufacturing (the process of restoring used products to like-new condition) as environmentally and economically beneficial. The resolution cites job support and sustainability benefits from remanufacturing but has no binding effect on policy or funding. As a procedural measure, it was adopted by both chambers but later died in committee on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 3256 would establish a daily compensation rate of up to $84 for commissioners of the Tishomingo County Water District, matching existing rates for commissioners in several Hancock County water districts. It specifically amends Mississippi law to add this provision for Tishomingo County commissioners, who would be paid per meeting attended (regular or special). Commissioners would also continue to receive reimbursement for necessary expenses under Section 25-3-41. The bill would take effect July 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2248, the "Fresh Start Act," revises Mississippi law to limit how occupational licensing authorities consider criminal records. It prohibits using vague terms like "moral turpitude" or "any felony" and requires authorities to only deny licenses based on crimes directly related to job duties. The bill mandates licensing boards to evaluate factors like crime severity, time passed since conviction, job relevance, and rehabilitation using a "clear and convincing" standard. People with criminal records can petition for license determinations, and the law requires all licensing authorities to comply by July 1, 2025. It does not apply to lawyers, nurses under the Nurse Licensure Compact, or certain other licensed professions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 148) passed by the Mississippi Senate to formally commend Ole Miss basketball coach Chris Beard for winning the 2025 Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year Award. It recognizes his leadership in guiding Ole Miss to a 24-12 record, an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance (tying a program record), and his previous coaching honors. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing Senate support and congratulations. It was adopted by the Senate on April 2, 2025, and will be presented to Coach Beard and university officials.

Maddy summarySB 2606 handles the final financial steps for Mississippi's Educational Facilities Revolving Loan Fund Program. It directs the Department of Finance and Administration to collect repayments from school districts that borrowed for facility projects, deposit those funds into the Education Enhancement Fund, and withhold future state payments from districts with late loan repayments. The bill also requires transferring all remaining funds from the old loan program into the Education Enhancement Fund and sets a sunset date of July 1, 2034, for its key provisions. This bill directly affects school districts that used the program to finance educational facilities.

Maddy summarySB 3095 reduces Mississippi's individual income tax rate for income above $10,000 to 3.75% starting in 2027, gradually decreasing to 2.99% by 2030. It increases the sales tax on groceries (not purchased with food stamps) to 5% starting July 2025 and raises the fuel excise tax from 21¢ to 27¢ per gallon over 2025-2027. The bill also adjusts how revenue from fuel and sales taxes is distributed, directing more funds to infrastructure projects in municipalities and counties. These changes directly affect higher-income earners, grocery shoppers, and drivers purchasing gasoline.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SC 539) expresses Mississippi's support for strengthening economic ties with Taiwan. It specifically advocates for establishing a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan to help small and medium businesses engage in trade, while also endorsing Taiwan's international participation and honoring Mississippi's existing sister-state relationship since 1983. The resolution notes Mississippi exported over $200 million in goods to Taiwan in 2024. As a non-binding statement of support, it does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SC 531) formally recognizes the creation of the Mississippi-Israel Joint Legislative Caucus. It does not establish new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect residents or businesses. The resolution celebrates the caucus’s purpose of strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties between Mississippi and Israel through mutual understanding and collaboration. It has no binding policy impact beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 540) is a concurrent resolution formally commending the Booneville High School Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Michael Smith for winning their fourth consecutive Class 3A state championship. It directly affects the team, coach, school staff, and community by recognizing their achievement through a legislative expression of pride. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding provisions - its sole purpose is to honor the team's athletic accomplishment with a formal commendation. It was adopted by Mississippi's legislature on March 27, 2025, and will be presented to the team and school officials.