Sen. Chad McMahan

Maddy summarySB 2311 creates new criminal offenses related to mail theft, counterfeit credit cards, and stolen financial instruments in Mississippi. It makes it illegal to steal mail, tamper with mail receptacles, possess stolen checks or sight orders, or traffic in counterfeit credit cards (including chip-enabled cards), with penalties including up to 5 years in prison or $5,000 fines for first offenses and increased penalties for repeat violations. The bill also mandates that convicted individuals pay full restitution to victims of these crimes. This law directly affects individuals committing these frauds and provides enhanced protections for victims of mail and payment card theft.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 505 is a ceremonial tribute honoring Emily Wagster Pettus for her 30-year career as a Capitol correspondent for The Associated Press in Mississippi. The resolution formally thanks her for covering legislative sessions, state government, and major events like Hurricane Katrina and civil rights trials. It recognizes her role in providing fair coverage, mentoring new reporters, and her service to Mississippi citizens. This resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a gesture of appreciation from the Mississippi Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) recognizing Senator Angela Turner Ford for receiving the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) 2024 Legislative Champion Award. It formally commends her advocacy for adult education in Mississippi, citing her support during National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and her role as a keynote speaker for a High School Equivalency ceremony. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any programs or individuals beyond honoring the Senator. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on March 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences, not a policy bill. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's sympathy to Jeanne Luckey's surviving family (including her husband, daughters, and grandchildren) and commends her community service and public roles. Specifically, it honors her work as Mississippi's Republican National Committee Woman, President of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, and her advocacy for disability access during her service on the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution honors James Earl Jones, the Mississippi-born actor (born in Arkabutla, Mississippi), celebrating his career and expressing the legislature's sympathy for his passing. It commemorates his legacy as a groundbreaking Black actor known for iconic roles like Darth Vader and Mufasa, recognizing his influence on American culture and entertainment. The resolution directs the legislature to present its sentiments to Jones' family and major entertainment organizations, such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and SAG-AFTRA. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 524), not a policy bill. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to Jimmy Carter's family and commends his life, public service, and legacy following his passing. The resolution details his presidency (1977-1981), key achievements like the Camp David Accords, and post-presidency work through the Carter Center. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it is solely a symbolic gesture of remembrance. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi Legislature on March 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2147 requires Mississippi public schools to integrate financial literacy into grades 6-8 curriculum by the 2026-2027 school year and mandates a personal finance course (either a half-credit or full course with at least half focused on finance) for high school graduation starting with the 2031 graduating class. The bill establishes a "Financial Literacy Trust Fund" within the state treasury to support this program, administered by the State Board of Education with annual audits and legislative reporting. It directly affects all public school students in Mississippi from middle school through high school, requiring new coursework to meet graduation standards. The fund must be managed responsibly, with unspent money lapsing to the general fund annually, and the State Board must develop specific curriculum standards for financial literacy.

Maddy summarySB 2197 changes Mississippi law to treat impersonating police officers as a felony instead of a misdemeanor. It increases penalties for falsely claiming to be a state highway patrolman or any law enforcement officer, raising potential jail time to up to three years and fines to $5,000 for both offenses. The bill repeals a duplicate law (Section 97-7-43) that previously covered similar offenses. This directly affects individuals who falsely pose as police officers or patrolmen, making such actions carry significantly harsher criminal consequences. The bill was approved by the Senate but died in committee in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2830 increases the spending thresholds requiring competitive bidding for purchases by Mississippi state agencies and local governments. It raises the minimum amount for mandatory competitive bidding from $15,000 to $25,000 and the threshold for full advertising from $75,000 to $100,000. Purchases under $25,000 no longer require competitive bids, while those between $25,000 and $100,000 must still obtain at least two competitive written bids but not public advertising. This change directly affects all local governing authorities and state agencies making procurement purchases, reducing administrative requirements for smaller contracts.

Maddy summarySB 2598 would allow retired Mississippi public school teachers or administrators (who retired at least 90 days ago, hold a valid teaching license, and receive retirement pay) to return to work as teachers while continuing to receive their retirement allowance. It removes the previous 30-year service requirement and permits school districts to pay up to 150% of the standard salary for returning retirees, with 50% of that amount paid directly to the retirement system to offset pension costs. The bill restricts hiring to districts with critical teacher or subject-area shortages, requires district certification of qualifications, and limits total reemployment to five years. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and was never enacted.