Sen. Brice Wiggins

Maddy summarySB 2022 appropriates $4,319,483 from state special funds to the Mississippi State Board of Public Contractors for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It allocates $1.28 million specifically for salaries, wages, and benefits for 18 permanent staff positions, with strict limits to prevent exceeding budgeted amounts for personnel costs. An additional $2.3 million is designated for enforcement activities, collecting unpaid fines, and administrative costs related to contractor oversight. The bill also requires the Board to prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal in price, quality, and service.

Maddy summarySB 2019 appropriates $144,816 for the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists to cover its fiscal year 2026 operating expenses. The bill specifies that $103,219 of this amount must be used solely for employee salaries, wages, and benefits (designated as "Personal Services"), with strict limits to prevent exceeding the budget. It requires the board to follow state personnel rules, prohibits using these funds for employee raises or promotions, and mandates that vacancy funding (for unfilled positions) be used only to increase headcount. The bill ensures all expenditures comply with state budget laws and requires detailed financial reporting.

Maddy summarySB 2031 appropriates $9,586,041 from the state General Fund and $1,657,595 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically allocates these funds for the Commission’s "Personal Services" category, including salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for up to 119 authorized positions. It requires the Commission to adhere to state personnel budget rules, prohibits using general funds to replace federal or special funds, and directs portions of the special fund toward law enforcement resources and gaming investigations. This is a budgetary measure with no new policy provisions, solely funding existing Commission operations.

Maddy summarySB 2021 appropriates $753,471 for the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy to cover its fiscal year 2026 expenses (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It specifically allocates $479,746 for employee salaries, wages, and benefits (with strict limits on using these funds only for authorized headcounts and no salary reductions below state minimums) and $42,000 for investigations and hearings. The bill requires strict adherence to budget limits, prohibits using funds for non-authorized purposes (like promotions), and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement. This is a procedural funding bill affecting the Board’s operations and staffing, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 2768 redistricts Mississippi's chancery court districts, revising county boundaries for multiple districts effective July 1, 2025. It requires chancellors to reside in their district by the time they qualify as candidates and updates criteria for determining the number of judges per district based on population, caseload, and geographic needs. The bill specifically adds Covington, Jefferson Davis, and Smith counties to the Second Chancery Court District while adjusting boundaries for others, and mandates new residency rules for judicial candidates. These changes directly affect county residents, chancery court judges, and the judicial structure across Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2489 authorizes Mississippi Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges to receive a daily expense allowance when performing judicial duties outside Jackson, Mississippi. The allowance equals the federal government's maximum daily rate for Jackson's high-cost area, capped at 20 days per month total - 12 days for travel outside Jackson and 20 days in Jackson. It ensures no judge receives more days of allowance than previously permitted under state law. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not increase overall expense allowances.

Maddy summarySB 2886 creates a statewide domestic violence fatality review team within Mississippi's Department of Public Safety, along with optional local teams in each circuit court district. These teams review fatal and near-fatal domestic violence incidents, related matters, and suicides within their jurisdiction to identify prevention opportunities and improve responses from agencies and institutions. The law provides limited civil immunity for team members and strictly protects all information gathered during reviews from being used in court or disclosure. It requires diverse team membership and mandates that reviews examine community resources, laws, and responses to develop recommendations for better victim support.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates April 2025 as "Child Abuse Awareness Month" in Mississippi and celebrates the 40th anniversary of CASA of Southeast Mississippi. It recognizes CASA’s work since 1985 providing advocacy and services to children impacted by abuse or neglect in Jackson, George, and Greene Counties. The resolution honors CASA’s expansion from emergency care to comprehensive support and its community partnerships with agencies like Child Protective Services. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy changes or direct legal effects - it serves only to formally acknowledge CASA’s legacy and promote awareness during April 2025.

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 3274 would extend the expiration date of Pascagoula, Mississippi’s 2% tax on prepared food sold at restaurants from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2029. The tax, which must be approved by city referendum, would fund the city’s existing Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan. It directly affects restaurants in Pascagoula (excluding schools, hospitals, and similar facilities) by requiring them to collect and remit the tax to the state, with revenue dedicated solely to park and recreation projects. The bill died in committee on April 3, 2025, and was never enacted.