Sen. Brice Wiggins

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.5 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the City of Pascagoula for water system upgrades during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It directly affects Pascagoula residents and local infrastructure by funding necessary improvements to the city's water system. The funds will be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions, with no new regulations or policy changes created. The appropriation is strictly for defraying costs associated with the upgrades, not for other purposes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 3306 allocates $10 million from the state treasury to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to assist the cities of Gautier and Ocean Springs with relocating utility lines along U.S. Highway 90. This funding directly enables the start of a highway widening project on U.S. Highway 90 in fiscal year 2027 by addressing a key pre-construction requirement. The bill specifies that MDOT must use these funds solely for utility relocation work to unblock the project timeline. It is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond the allocated appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 3308 appropriates $1,250,000 from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the City of Pascagoula for 11th Street infrastructure improvements during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly funds the city’s street project costs, including repairs or upgrades to the 11th Street infrastructure. It specifies the funding source (unappropriated Capital Expense Fund money), payment method (state treasurer via warrants), and effective date (July 1, 2026). This is a straightforward funding allocation with no additional policy provisions or requirements.

Maddy summarySB 3379 appropriates $4 million from Mississippi's General Fund for Jackson County to fund infrastructure projects in the Gulf Park Estates area during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds are specifically allocated: $2.5 million for sewer system repairs and expansions, and $1.5 million for water distribution system improvements. This bill directly affects Jackson County residents and local government by providing state funding for essential utility infrastructure maintenance and development. It is a procedural appropriation bill with no new policy requirements, solely authorizing state funds for pre-identified projects.

Maddy summarySB 2166 appropriates $1,260,000 from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the La Pointe Krebs Foundation for an interpretive center at the La Pointe Krebs House during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill provides direct funding for the foundation to develop educational exhibits and programming at this historic site, with no broader policy changes or affected populations beyond the foundation and the property. It is a straightforward funding allocation, requiring no additional legislative action beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 2168 appropriates $250,000 from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Pascagoula-Gautier School District for specific upgrades and expansion of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funding directly supports the district's CTE program infrastructure, including facility improvements or equipment needed for student training. The bill specifies that funds must be used solely for defraying costs related to this program expansion, with payment processed through the State Treasurer. This is a straightforward funding measure, not a policy change, and affects only the Pascagoula-Gautier School District's CTE initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 2854 creates two income tax credits in Mississippi: (1) a credit for taxpayers equal to their actual child care expenses paid to participating Pre-K providers (for children not yet in kindergarten), and (2) a $1,500 credit per average monthly child for Pre-K providers who participate in the state's voluntary Pre-K program under the Early Learning Collaborative Act. The bill directly affects Mississippi taxpayers with children in qualifying Pre-K programs and licensed Pre-K providers serving children aged four. Credits can be refunded if unused in the tax year they're claimed, and the law takes effect January 1, 2026. It does not provide direct funding but adjusts tax liability for eligible expenses and providers.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 is a symbolic resolution expressing Mississippi's support for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It does not create new laws or programs but formally encourages the state to support U.S.-Taiwan trade (noting $201.1 billion in 2025 trade), advocate for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO, and establish a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan. The resolution also supports a U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement and counters efforts by China to limit Taiwan's global engagement. As a non-binding expression of support, it directly affects Mississippi's diplomatic posture but does not impose new obligations or changes to existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution honors the historical and cultural connection between Quebec and Mississippi, dating to 1699 when French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville established a settlement in what is now Mississippi. It recognizes ongoing ties through shared heritage (including annual commemorations), economic collaboration (like Quebec supplying aluminum to Mississippi's auto industry), and membership in the SEUS-CP alliance, without creating new laws or affecting any policies. The resolution will be formally transmitted to Quebec officials as a symbolic gesture of goodwill.

Maddy summarySB 2026, the Asbestos Action Over-naming Reform Act, requires plaintiffs in asbestos lawsuits to disclose specific details about their exposure within 30 days of filing the case. This includes the exact products used, locations of exposure, dates, the related disease, and supporting documentation. If plaintiffs fail to provide complete or accurate information, defendants can request the court dismiss claims against them. The law applies to all asbestos lawsuits filed on or after its effective date.