Sen. Ben Suber

Maddy summarySB 3265 authorizes the City of Water Valley, Mississippi, to impose a 1% tax on restaurant sales (excluding sales at hospitals, schools, or nursing homes) to fund tourism promotion and parks/recreation programs. The tax requires voter approval via a city election where 60% of votes must support it, and revenue must be spent solely on these designated purposes without blending with general city funds. The tax expires on July 1, 2029, and must be collected like state sales tax, with separate accounting and annual audits required. It directly affects restaurants operating within Water Valley’s city limits.

Maddy summarySB 3269 allows Chickasaw County to add a $25 fee (or $50 for DUI convictions) to court costs for most criminal convictions in county courts, using the funds exclusively to repair courthouses and pretrial detention facilities. Fees from convictions in the First Judicial District (Houston) fund Houston's courthouse, while Second District (Okolona) fees fund Okolona's courthouse. The fee expires on July 1, 2029, and does not affect criminal penalties or create new taxes. It directly affects individuals convicted in Chickasaw County courts, with no broader state impact.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 148) passed by the Mississippi Senate to formally commend Ole Miss basketball coach Chris Beard for winning the 2025 Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year Award. It recognizes his leadership in guiding Ole Miss to a 24-12 record, an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance (tying a program record), and his previous coaching honors. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing Senate support and congratulations. It was adopted by the Senate on April 2, 2025, and will be presented to Coach Beard and university officials.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 149), not a policy bill. It formally commends Brent Smith for his service as President of the Mississippi Independent Pharmacy Board and his contributions to the pharmacy industry. The resolution highlights his career, including his work managing pharmacies, supporting Oxford Medical Ministries Clinic, and leadership in the Mississippi Independent Pharmacies Association. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals beyond honoring Mr. Smith. The Senate adopted the resolution to present to him and share with his family and the pharmacy association.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 139), not a policy bill. It formally commends Oxford High School tennis coach Louis Nash on his retirement, recognizing his 40+ year career, 17 state championships, and national awards - including the 2024 National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year honor. The resolution has no policy impact; it solely expresses the Mississippi Senate's appreciation for Nash's contributions to the school and tennis community. It was adopted by the Senate in April 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 142) commending Jim Ellis for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for Mississippi State University baseball. It recognizes his role as "The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs," highlighting his coverage of 11 College World Series appearances, SEC championships, and the 2021 national title. The resolution formally praises his service to MSU and the state, with no policy changes or direct impact on any laws or individuals beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate in April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2968 changes how Mississippi calculates property taxes for rural agricultural structures like barns and poultry houses (excluding homes). It requires revaluing structures appraised before 2025 and mandates a fixed 7% annual depreciation rate for all rural structures after initial appraisal. Poultry houses have specific rules: their value cannot drop below 20% of original value, and a 45% economic obsolescence adjustment applies. These changes directly affect owners of commercial agricultural buildings, not residential properties.

Maddy summarySB 3095 reduces Mississippi's individual income tax rate for income above $10,000 to 3.75% starting in 2027, gradually decreasing to 2.99% by 2030. It increases the sales tax on groceries (not purchased with food stamps) to 5% starting July 2025 and raises the fuel excise tax from 21¢ to 27¢ per gallon over 2025-2027. The bill also adjusts how revenue from fuel and sales taxes is distributed, directing more funds to infrastructure projects in municipalities and counties. These changes directly affect higher-income earners, grocery shoppers, and drivers purchasing gasoline.