Sen. Jeremy England

Maddy summarySB 2537 allows high school student athletes in Mississippi, including those at public schools and schools in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA), to transfer to a new school or district **once** during their athletic eligibility without losing their ability to compete or facing other penalties. The bill directly affects all student athletes participating in MHSAA-sanctioned sports by removing current restrictions on a single transfer. Its key provision requires schools to permit this one transfer without imposing eligibility loss or additional penalties, though other participation rules still apply. The policy change would take effect on July 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2533 would lower the voter approval threshold for Mississippi school districts to issue bonds from three-fifths (60%) to a simple majority (over 50%) of qualified voters who cast ballots in the election. This change would make it easier for school districts to fund capital projects like building new schools or renovating facilities by requiring fewer votes to approve bond measures. The bill maintains the existing requirement that a petition signed by 20% of qualified electors can trigger a bond election. If an election is held, bonds can only be issued if a majority of participating voters approve them.

Maddy summarySB 2067 would require absentee mail-in ballots in Mississippi to be received by the county election registrar by 7:00 PM on election day, delivered via mail or common carriers like UPS or FedEx. This change directly affects absentee voters who submit ballots by mail, as ballots received after 7:00 PM would not be counted. The bill amends multiple election code sections to align with this new deadline and standardize ballot handling procedures. These provisions aim to clarify the timeline for ballot receipt and ensure consistent processing across all counties.

Maddy summarySB 2466 would have abolished the legal claim for "alienation of affection" in Mississippi, ending the ability for individuals (typically spouses) to sue a third party for allegedly causing the breakdown of their marriage. The bill would have taken effect on July 1, 2025, removing this specific tort from state law. It directly affected people who might have pursued such lawsuits, though no new mechanisms or provisions were created - only the elimination of an existing cause of action. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summarySB 2189 would allow independent schools, private colleges, and universities in Mississippi to establish their own police departments. The governing body of an educational entity could appoint certified officers to enforce law on campus premises and adjacent public roads, provided they enter a memorandum of understanding with a local law enforcement agency for officer certification. The educational entity would pay all costs, including officer salaries, equipment, and required de-escalation training. Officers would enforce state law and school policies on campus but could not make arrests for violations of school policy alone. The bill was referred to committee but died in committee in February 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2467 requires Mississippi's Department of Child Protection Services (CPS) to create and certify statewide training for mandatory reporters (like teachers, doctors, and social workers) who must report suspected child abuse or exploitation. It defines a false report as one made without credible evidence and with intentional knowledge of its falsity, imposing penalties for such reports. The bill authorizes CPS or the Attorney General to prosecute false reports and allows CPS to collect restitution for related costs. This directly affects mandatory reporters and CPS operations, aiming to improve report accuracy and accountability. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2364, which died in committee on February 4, 2025, would have required all restrooms, changing rooms, and multi-occupant sleeping quarters in Mississippi correctional facilities to be designated exclusively for one biological sex. It defined "sex" strictly by biological reproductive characteristics at birth (male or female), prohibiting incarcerated individuals from using facilities designated for the opposite sex except in specific emergencies, medical situations, or maintenance. The bill aimed to ensure safety and privacy by mandating single-sex facility use for all inmates, with limited exceptions for emergencies or medical assistance. It directly affected all incarcerated individuals in Mississippi state correctional facilities. The bill was never enacted, as it failed to advance beyond committee.

Maddy summarySB 2462 revises notice requirements for towing companies regarding towed vehicles, requiring them to notify owners and lienholders within specific timelines. Towing companies must make a "good faith effort" to locate owners within 5 business days and send written notice of towing costs by registered mail within 7 days of towing. Failure to comply bars towing charges and imposes civil penalties: $1,000 for the first offense and $2,000 for subsequent violations. The bill also mandates towing companies maintain 3-year records of all towing and notification actions.

Maddy summarySB 2465 would have replaced "durable legal custody" with "durable legal relative guardianship" as a permanent care option for children in Mississippi's child welfare system. It required courts to find reunification inappropriate, confirm a relative or "fictive kin" (non-relative caregiver) had cared for the child for six months, and consult with children 12+ before approving guardianship. The bill also mandated annual reviews to ensure the arrangement remained in the child's best interest, rather than requiring disposition review hearings. This change directly affected children in foster care, relatives seeking long-term care, and the Department of Child Protection Services. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2504 amends Mississippi law to update financial support for relatives caring for children in foster care. It requires the Department of Child Protection Services (DCPS) to provide monthly payments to relatives (including extended family, close family friends, or those with strong bonds) for room and board, up to 100% of the foster care board payment amount. These payments may continue after DCPS relinquishes legal custody to the relative, provided the relative completed required foster care training. The bill directly affects kinship caregivers and DCPS, which will administer the payments subject to legislative funding.