Rep. Robert Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to enter into a long-term lease agreement for city-owned property. The lease term can last up to 30 years, giving the city flexibility to manage its assets through extended leasing arrangements. The legislation applies specifically to the city's governing authorities, who will have the discretion to negotiate and finalize lease terms. Once passed, the bill takes effect immediately, allowing the city to proceed with leasing decisions without further legislative approval for each individual lease.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Library of Congress Joint Committee to approve replacing Mississippi's current Capitol statues of Jefferson Davis (Confederate president) and James Zachariah George (Confederate colonel and state senator) with statues honoring civil rights leaders Fannie Lou Hamer (voting rights activist) and Hiram Revels (first Black U.S. senator). It directly affects Mississippi's representation in the National Statuary Hall Collection, which currently features these two Confederate figures. The resolution cites Mississippi's desire to honor modern civil rights icons instead of historical figures tied to the Confederacy. The bill seeks to update the Capitol's display to reflect contemporary values while maintaining the state's contribution to the collection.

Maddy summarySB 2632 is a procedural bill that reorganizes existing sections of Mississippi's Emergency Management Law (Mississippi Code of 1972) by moving specific code sections (33-15-1 through 33-15-53) to new positions in the code. It does not change the content or policy of these sections, which cover definitions, purposes, and structure of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The bill’s sole purpose is to facilitate future amendments by updating the code’s numbering. This reorganization affects the legal code itself, not individuals or entities, and requires no action from the public or agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission and its associated hotel/motel tax from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2031. The legislation directly affects the City of Hattiesburg and hotel or motel operators within the city that would be subject to the tax. Under the bill, a seven-member commission will be appointed by the mayor and ratified by the city council to oversee tourism promotion activities. The commission will consist of representatives from the hotel industry, chamber of commerce, university, and at-large members who serve without compensation. Hotel and motel operators will be required to pay a tax of up to 2% on overnight room rentals, which will be collected by the Department of Revenue and transferred to the city to fund the commission's operations.

Maddy summarySB 3111 exempts licensed wine sellers (permittees) from paying alcohol taxes, markups, and other charges on up to 10 cases of wine annually when donated to Mississippi-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits. This directly affects winery permittees and qualifying charitable organizations by removing tax burdens on these specific donations. The key provision limits the exemption to 10 cases per year per nonprofit, as specified in amended Section 27-71-7(4) of Mississippi law. The bill does not change general tax rates for commercial wine sales but creates a targeted tax relief for charitable wine donations.

Maddy summarySB 2898 directs the State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer to transfer $20 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund upon the bill's effective date. This technical amendment reallocates existing state funds without creating new programs or changing eligibility for disaster assistance. The transfer affects state budget accounting by moving money between two designated funds (Fund No. 6499C00000 to Fund No. 3372500000) to support disaster response resources. The bill has no direct impact on citizens or businesses but modifies how state funds are allocated. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2294, the MS Future Innovators Act, requires Mississippi public high school students entering 9th grade in 2029-2030 to earn one credit in either a dedicated computer science course or a career and technical education (CTE) course with embedded computer science before graduation. The bill mandates that these courses cover fundamental concepts of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, including how AI works and its societal impact. Students can use this credit to fulfill either a math or science graduation requirement (excluding core courses like Algebra I or biology), without increasing the total required credits. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, with course approvals managed by the State Board of Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally commends Patrick Wilcher for receiving the "Instructor of the Year" award at the Perkinston Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The resolution recognizes Wilcher's distinguished service as a mathematics instructor and department chair who has worked at the college for nineteen years. It directs that the resolution be presented to Wilcher, forwarded to the college president, and made available to the press corps. This is a ceremonial measure with no changes to laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally commends and congratulates Vic A. Gauthreaux, Jr., an Information Systems Technology Instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Harrison County Campus. The resolution recognizes his selection as "Instructor of the Year," an award established by the college's Alumni Association based on nominations from students, faculty, and administrators. It highlights his ten years of employment at the college, his educational background, and his dedication to teaching excellence and community service. The resolution directs that the document be presented to Mr. Gauthreaux, forwarded to the college president, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution formally commends Dr. Linda Nix for being selected as "Instructor of the Year" at the Jackson County Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The resolution recognizes her nine years of service as a Science Instructor and highlights her academic credentials and prior teaching experience. It serves as an official acknowledgment of her teaching excellence and contributions to the college community, with the document to be presented to Dr. Nix and made available to the press.