Sen. Jeremy England

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 2704 creates a new option for professional and trade associations in Mississippi (like groups of doctors, lawyers, plumbers, or electricians) to offer self-funded health plans regulated by another state or federal authority, rather than Mississippi’s insurance laws. These plans must meet specific requirements, including operating for three years without insurance as their primary purpose, being nonprofit, and maintaining proper reserves. The bill requires clear written notices to members that these plans are not regulated by Mississippi’s Insurance Department, not covered by the state’s guaranty association, and have no state oversight on costs or benefits. This provides additional health coverage choices for association members while exempting these plans from most Mississippi insurance regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution honoring Katie Blount upon her retirement as Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH). It recognizes her 11-year leadership (2015-2026), including overseeing the opening of the Two Mississippi Museums (visited by over 744,000 people since 2017) and advancing inclusive storytelling and preservation efforts at historic sites. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the Senate’s gratitude for her service.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 54 is a symbolic resolution by the Mississippi Senate commending Colonel William L. Henry for his 34 years of military service, including his role as Commander of Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center. It specifically honors his leadership during a Change of Command Ceremony on February 6, 2026, recognizing his service managing a major training site and deployments. The resolution will be presented to Colonel Henry, the Mississippi National Guard Adjutant General, and the incoming commander for display, with no new policies or obligations created. This is a ceremonial gesture of appreciation with no direct impact on legislation or affected parties.

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 2832 extends the expiration date for a Mississippi income tax credit that supports railroad infrastructure investments. It directly affects Class II and Class III railroads operating in Mississippi that make qualifying track reconstruction, replacement, or new infrastructure expenditures. The credit allows eligible railroads to claim up to 50% of qualifying costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track or $1 million per new customer project), with unused credits transferable to other taxpayers for up to five years. This bill modifies the existing credit program (Section 27-7-22.42) to prevent its automatic termination on January 1, 2029, extending the program's availability.

Maddy summarySB 2436 requires Mississippi's wildlife agency (MDWFP) to manage black bear hunting through a formal season starting in 2027-2028. It mandates that all hunters - residents first (from 2027-2028) and nonresidents later (from 2032-2033) - must obtain a special "harvest tag" via a lottery system, based on population data. The bill limits nonresident tags to 10% of annual allocations and reserves one annual "Governor's Tag" for auction to fund bear habitat conservation. This directly affects hunters and establishes a structured, data-driven approach to bear population management.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2046, the "Mississippians' Right to Name, Likeness and Voice Act," grants every individual in Mississippi a legal right to control how their name, likeness, and voice are used, including by digital tools like AI-generated images or voice replicas. It requires written agreements with legal counsel for commercial use of these elements by individuals 18 or older, or court approval for minors, and allows rights to be inherited by family members for up to 10 years after death (with termination if unused for two years). The law explicitly states these rights are transferable and protects free speech in related lawsuits through a First Amendment defense. It directly affects all Mississippi residents and businesses using personal identifiers commercially, especially in digital contexts.

Maddy summarySB 2480 directs the State Fiscal Officer to transfer $265 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Capacity Project Fund upon the bill's effective date. This transfer specifically funds transportation infrastructure projects (known as "capacity projects") included in the Mississippi Department of Transportation's Three-Year Plan, as defined under existing law. The bill amends Section 65-1-141.2 to clarify that unspent funds in the Capacity Project Fund do not lapse into the general state fund, and earnings from the fund remain within it. The bill does not create new policy but reallocates existing state funds for transportation project financing.