Sen. Scott DeLano

Maddy summarySB 3097 appropriates $5,373,698 from the state general fund to cover the State Personnel Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds specifically support personnel costs, including employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled positions authorized as of June 2026. The bill restricts spending to prevent exceeding the budgeted amount for "Personal Services" and requires the Board to publish annual cost projections based on payroll data. It ensures no salary reductions below the Board's minimum standards and prohibits using general funds to replace other funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9,771,233 from the state General Fund and $1,673,699 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2027. It specifically restricts the use of these funds - requiring all "Personal Services" money (covering staff salaries, benefits, and approved vacancies) to stay within authorized headcount levels (113 permanent positions) and prohibiting salary increases for current employees. The funds must not be used for promotions, title changes, or replacing federal funds, and any new hires must utilize designated "Vacancy Funding" rather than increasing overall salary budgets. The commission must comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensure spending aligns with the approved budget for FY2027.

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 summarySB 3100 appropriates $371.8 million from Mississippi's General Fund to cover bank service charges and pay principal/interest on state bonds due between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. It also allocates $51.3 million from special funds for general obligation bonds and $41.7 million for revenue bonds maturing in fiscal 2027. The bill ensures timely payments to bondholders by directing the State Treasurer to disburse funds from specified accounts as scheduled. This is a routine funding measure for existing debt obligations, not a policy change.

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.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2865 creates an income tax credit for Mississippi casinos that invest at least $2 million in non-gaming projects (like hotels, restaurants, or RV parks) at existing properties. The credit equals 50% of the increased gaming taxes generated by the new facilities, calculated as the difference between post-project tax payments and the three-year average before the project started. Casinos can use the credit against annual income tax liability, but the total credit per project cannot exceed the project cost, and unused credits can carry forward for up to five years. The Mississippi Gaming Commission must approve qualifying projects, and no new credits can be claimed after December 31, 2030.

Maddy summarySB 2018 creates the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program, which reimburses actively drilling Mississippi National Guard members for their Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The program applies to members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select coverage who are not covered by another employer, with reimbursements paid at the current "Tricare Reserve Select - Member only" rate. The Adjutant General administers the program, requiring legislative funding each year and annual reports starting in 2026 to assess its impact on medical readiness and participation. This policy directly affects National Guard members by reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, aiming to support retention and readiness.

Maddy summarySB 2634 amends Mississippi law to authorize payment for members of the Department of Marine Resources Enforcement Officers Reserve Unit during "Special Need Events" with critical personnel shortages. Previously, all reserve members served without pay; this bill creates a specific paid category for reserve officers meeting defined eligibility criteria (e.g., certification, training, or community standing). Payment amounts and event eligibility are determined by the Department director. The change applies only to designated special events, not regular reserve duties, and does not alter the reserve unit’s overall structure or volunteer status for routine operations.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 526 is a symbolic resolution congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels football team and head coach Pete Golding for winning the 2025-2026 Sugar Bowl championship and finishing No. 3 in national rankings - the highest finish for an SEC team since 1962. It recognizes their 13-2 season, historic College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, and significance as the highest-ranked Ole Miss team in over six decades. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, commending the team's achievements without altering laws or regulations.