Maddy summarySB 2006 appropriates $6,262,007 from the State General Fund and $1,369,899 from special sources (including $450,000 from the Education Enhancement Fund) to cover the operating and maintenance costs of Mississippi State University's Forest and Wildlife Research Center for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill specifies that general funds cannot replace withdrawn federal or special funds and requires that any matching federal grants be accounted for under the special source funds. It also reappropriates $1,000,000 from the Capital Expense Fund for Deer Lab renovations, subject to prior unexpended balances. This is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes, directly affecting the research center’s operations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2518 authorizes Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) to lease 452 acres of its property in Leflore County for up to 45 years (with renewal options) to develop housing for faculty and staff. The lease requires approval from MVSU's Board of Trustees and ensures the property reverts to the university after the lease ends. All lease proceeds must be used solely for MVSU's benefit, while the state retains mineral rights to the land. This bill directly affects MVSU's ability to address housing needs for its employees through a long-term property lease arrangement.
Maddy summarySB 2835 creates the Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority within the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to oversee emergency communications. It requires all emergency communications districts (ECDs) to adopt a next-generation 911 (NG911) system plan by December 31, 2030, and establishes a fund to collect fees from service providers on emergency communications. The authority will manage these fees, set standards for NG911 systems, audit charges, and require annual financial reports from ECDs. The bill also repeals outdated sections of law related to emergency telephone services.
Maddy summarySC 544 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives to extend condolences to Paul Gallo's family and honor his 56-year career as a talk radio host in Mississippi. It recognizes Gallo's role as a "Godfather" of Mississippi talk radio, his hosting of "The Gallo Radio Show," and his community impact - including raising nearly $3 million for children's causes through SuperTalk's Radiothon. The resolution emphasizes his dedication to amplifying Mississippi's stories, holding leaders accountable, and connecting with listeners as "family" over decades. As a ceremonial tribute, it has no policy effect or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
Maddy summarySB 2271 moves the Mississippi Wireless Communication Commission from the Department of Information Technology Services to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The bill establishes the commission under MEMA to manage a statewide wireless communications system, ensuring reliable communication for law enforcement, public health, and emergency responders during disasters. It requires the commission to include representatives from key state agencies and public safety organizations, and authorizes MEMA to access up to $10 million annually from the State Treasury for system shortfalls, with funds placed in the Disaster Trust Fund and used per FEMA guidelines during federally declared emergencies. This change centralizes oversight of emergency communications under MEMA while clarifying funding mechanisms for system operations.
Maddy summarySB 3126 would allow Mississippi casinos operating for at least five years to claim a 50% income tax credit based on increased gaming taxes generated after building new non-gaming facilities (like hotels, restaurants, or entertainment venues) costing $7 million or more. The credit equals half the difference between gaming taxes paid in the year after the project opens and the three-year average of taxes paid before the project began. Casinos can use the credit up to their annual income tax liability, cannot exceed the project’s total cost, and may carry unused credit forward for five years. Approval requires a certificate from the Mississippi Gaming Commission, which will stop issuing them after December 31, 2029.
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 summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 142) commending Jim Ellis for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for Mississippi State University baseball. It recognizes his role as "The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs," highlighting his coverage of 11 College World Series appearances, SEC championships, and the 2021 national title. The resolution formally praises his service to MSU and the state, with no policy changes or direct impact on any laws or individuals beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate in April 2025.
Maddy summarySB 3032 allocates approximately $469.9 million in state funds for Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to cover disaster assistance costs for fiscal year 2026. The bill specifically provides funding for administrative expenses and the state share of costs related to disaster relief programs addressing past events like Hurricane Katrina, the 2020 pandemic, multiple severe storms, flooding events, and the 2021 winter storm. It establishes a disaster relief reserve fund and mandates strict rules for using funds to cover authorized positions, prevent salary increases without new funding, and ensure funds are used for disaster-related assistance rather than replacing federal funds. This appropriation directly affects MEMA's operations and Mississippi communities receiving disaster aid for the listed historical events.
Maddy summarySB 3004 appropriates over $7.8 million from the state General Fund and $335,000 from the Education Enhancement Fund to support Alcorn State University's agricultural programs for fiscal year 2026. The funds specifically cover the Poultry Sciences Academic Research Center ($300,000 from Section 1 and $165,000 from Section 3), broader agricultural research and extension programs ($715,000), and agency operations ($170,000). This bill directly affects Alcorn State University's land-grant agricultural research, extension services, and related academic programs. It is a funding measure with no policy changes, solely providing financial support for existing university programs.