Sen. Ben Suber

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 97) is a ceremonial tribute from the Mississippi Senate to commend Major General John Trent Kelly for his 40-year military career and retirement. It specifically honors his service in the Mississippi Army National Guard, including deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, his numerous military awards, and his leadership roles. The resolution expresses the Senate's gratitude for his service to Mississippi and the U.S., and it will be presented to General Kelly and shared with relevant military and government offices. As a purely commemorative measure with no policy or funding impact, it directly affects only the recipient and the Senate's official record.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 116), not a substantive bill. It formally commends the Northwest Mississippi Community College Cheer Team and Head Coach Brandon Casey for winning national championships at the UCA Nationals in Orlando, Florida. The resolution specifically recognizes their back-to-back victories in the Open All-Girl Traditional Division and their championship in the Open Coed Game Day Division. It has no policy impact or effect on laws, funding, or regulations - it solely offers official recognition for athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 114) is a symbolic tribute honoring the three crew members who died in a medical helicopter crash in Madison County on March 10, 2025. It commends the pilot (Cal Wesolowski) and two medical personnel (Dustin Pope and Jakob Kindt) who were transporting a patient to the University of Mississippi Medical Center when the aircraft crashed. The resolution expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to their families and recognizes their service, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect beyond honoring the victims.

Maddy summarySB 2844 establishes a dedicated "TVA Service Area Utilities Grant Fund" in Mississippi's state treasury, funded initially by $25 million in state general obligation bonds and future diverted payments from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in lieu of taxes. The fund provides grants to local utility companies in Mississippi's TVA service area to improve infrastructure, with priority for entities affected by the March 2023 storms and matching grants for projects aligned with federal programs. It requires the Okolona Electric Department to commit to spending matching funds for distribution line improvements outside the city if it receives aid. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) administers the program, distributes funds, and must report annually to the legislature on all grant usage.

Maddy summarySB 2469 creates a seven-member study committee to examine problems with property titles resulting from Mississippi's tax sale process, where land sold for unpaid taxes often leaves titles unmerchantable or uninsurable. The committee, appointed by legislative leaders and state officials (including tax assessors and chancery clerks), will study current sale inconsistencies and recommend solutions by January 2026. This bill directly affects property owners struggling with title issues and local governments managing tax sales, but does not enact new laws - only establishing the study process. The committee will dissolve automatically on January 1, 2026, after completing its work.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 89) is a ceremonial commendation for the Pontotoc High School Lady Warriors girls basketball team and head coach Kyle Heard, recognizing their victory in the 2025 MHSAA Class 5A State Championship. It does not create any new laws or affect any policies; it is purely an expression of honor and pride from the Mississippi Senate. The resolution formally congratulates the team, coaches, and community following their championship win (41-39 over Canton on February 28, 2025), and directs copies to the team, school principal, and school board. No individuals or entities are directly impacted by this resolution beyond receiving the formal recognition.

Maddy summarySB 2285 amends Mississippi's background check rules for the Department of Employment Security (MDES) to align with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements. It directly affects MDES employees, contractors, and subcontractors who handle federal tax information (FTI), requiring them to undergo fingerprint-based background checks. The bill mandates that MDES conduct state and federal criminal history checks through the state identification bureau and FBI, as specified in IRS guidelines. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, ensuring MDES compliance with federal regulations for FTI access.

Maddy summarySB 2260 establishes Mississippi's Blue Envelope Program to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum disorder. The program provides a free package including a blue envelope, a window decal, informational materials on autism-friendly interactions, and a contact card. Drivers with a diagnosis (or their parents/guardians for minors) can request the package to store their license, insurance, and emergency contact info in the envelope - placed visibly in their vehicle. Law enforcement can access this information if a driver becomes nonverbal during a stop. The program takes effect July 1, 2025, and is administered by the Department of Public Safety.

Maddy summarySB 2286 modifies Mississippi's unemployment insurance contributions by requiring the suspension of payments to the Workforce Enhancement Training Fund when the state's insured unemployment rate averages above 5.5% for three consecutive months ending September 30 of the previous year. This suspension applies to the following rate year, meaning employers would not be required to pay this specific contribution during periods of elevated unemployment. The bill directly affects employers who pay unemployment insurance contributions, as it temporarily reduces their funding obligations to the training program under the defined economic condition. The provision maintains the existing structure of unemployment insurance payments while adding a trigger-based adjustment for workforce training fund contributions.

Maddy summarySB 2266 requires Mississippi's Department of Revenue (DOR) to publish by August 1, 2025, a list of agricultural items eligible for sales tax exemptions or reduced rates under existing law. This directly affects commercial farmers who hold a commercial farmer permit and qualify for these tax benefits. The bill does not change current tax rates but mandates that the DOR make the existing exemption rules publicly accessible, improving transparency for farmers seeking reduced tax rates on qualifying farm equipment and supplies. The law passed in March 2025 and is now effective.