Sen. Ben Suber

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution 74 is a ceremonial bill that formally commends the Mississippi Forestry Commission on its 100th anniversary. The resolution recognizes the agency's century-long service in protecting forest resources, preventing wildfires, and supporting rural economies across Mississippi. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of the commission's historic contributions to the state.

Maddy summarySB 3092 allocates specific funds for existing livestock shows across Mississippi during fiscal year 2027. It provides $1.2 million for the Dixie National Livestock Show, $64,890 for junior livestock events, $30,000 for county shows (capped at $2,000 per county), $65,000 for district shows, and $8,500 for dairy shows. The bill mandates that county show funds require adequate facilities, guarantee minimum prize amounts, and reserve 75% of district/dairy funds for 4-H and school participants. It specifies strict payout rules, including reimbursement requirements and equal prize distribution for comparable livestock classes.

Maddy summaryMississippi Senate Bill 2420 amends wildlife laws to extend hunting seasons ending on a Saturday until 30 minutes after sunset on the following Sunday. This applies to deer (Section 49-7-31), bobwhite quail and wild turkey (Section 49-7-31.2), squirrel and rabbits (Section 49-7-31.3), and fur-bearing animals (Section 49-7-31.4). The change only affects the end time of existing seasons when they conclude on Saturday, providing hunters an additional window on Sunday. It does not alter season dates, hunting methods, or regulations for these species.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates "Rockabilly Districts" in specific Northeast Mississippi communities (including Tupelo, Saltillo, and Corinth) to recognize and promote the region's role in rockabilly music history. It establishes the "Mississippi Hills Rockabilly Music Historical Trail" to support heritage tourism, economic development, and cultural preservation through markers, exhibits, and community collaboration, directly affecting the listed municipalities and the Northeast Mississippi Rockabilly Heritage Foundation.

Maddy summarySB 2704 creates a new option for professional and trade associations in Mississippi (like groups of doctors, lawyers, plumbers, or electricians) to offer self-funded health plans regulated by another state or federal authority, rather than Mississippi’s insurance laws. These plans must meet specific requirements, including operating for three years without insurance as their primary purpose, being nonprofit, and maintaining proper reserves. The bill requires clear written notices to members that these plans are not regulated by Mississippi’s Insurance Department, not covered by the state’s guaranty association, and have no state oversight on costs or benefits. This provides additional health coverage choices for association members while exempting these plans from most Mississippi insurance regulations.

Maddy summarySB 2258 establishes the Mississippi-Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Mississippi and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 appointed members (including state officials and trade experts with Irish connections), will advance bilateral trade, promote business/academic exchanges, and encourage mutual investment. It can raise funds through solicitation, grants, and donations to carry out these goals. The bill directly affects Mississippi businesses seeking Irish market opportunities and Irish entities interested in Mississippi trade partnerships, effective March 17, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2530 increases the maximum principal amount for perpetual care cemetery trust funds from $50,000 to $75,000 and allows cemeteries to hold short-term certificates of deposit (maturing in one year or less) instead of the current 30-day limit. This directly affects Mississippi cemeteries that maintain perpetual care funds, giving them more flexibility in managing these funds while keeping them FDIC-insured. The bill requires certificates to state "For Perpetual Care," automatically renew with interest, and be filed with the Secretary of State. It aims to simplify fund management for cemeteries without altering the requirement that only trust income funds cemetery maintenance. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2657 creates a dedicated "Wild Turkey Stamp Fund" within Mississippi's state treasury, requiring all revenue from mandatory wild turkey hunting stamps to be deposited into this fund. Hunters (excluding specific exempt groups like minors, seniors, and disabled individuals) must purchase stamps for $10 (residents) or $100 (non-residents) to legally hunt wild turkeys. The fund revenue must be used exclusively for: habitat restoration, scientific research on turkeys, administrative costs for hunting permits, and expanding public hunting access - barring any use for staff salaries. This policy directly affects turkey hunters and ensures dedicated funding for conservation efforts.

Maddy summarySB 2393 designates specific road segments in Chickasaw County as the "Davis Lake Road Scenic Byway," running approximately 12.32 miles from the intersection of MS Highway 15 and County Road 124 eastward to MS Highway 41. The bill formally names this route under Mississippi’s scenic byway program (per Section 65-41-1 et seq.) without creating new policies or funding. It directly affects the designated road corridor and local tourism/road signage, but does not alter road maintenance, traffic rules, or financial obligations. The designation takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2018 creates the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program, which reimburses actively drilling Mississippi National Guard members for their Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The program applies to members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select coverage who are not covered by another employer, with reimbursements paid at the current "Tricare Reserve Select - Member only" rate. The Adjutant General administers the program, requiring legislative funding each year and annual reports starting in 2026 to assess its impact on medical readiness and participation. This policy directly affects National Guard members by reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, aiming to support retention and readiness.