Sen. Bart Williams

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 summarySB 3064 allocates $137,774,071 in state funds to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), primarily for operational expenses. It specifically restricts $29,865,891 of these funds to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 425 authorized positions (379 permanent, 46 time-limited), with strict rules requiring the department to avoid exceeding budgeted personnel costs. The bill mandates that "Vacancy Funding" ($908,823) can only fill unfilled positions from the prior year - not fund raises or promotions - and requires State Personnel Board approval for any salary increases or position escalations. As a funding measure, it does not create new policies but sets procedural limits on how state funds may be spent for department staffing.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Ackerman, Mississippi, to impose a 2% tax on restaurant sales to fund tourism and parks and recreation projects. Restaurants operating within the town would collect this tax from customers and remit it to the state Department of Revenue, which would then transfer the funds to the town. Before the tax can take effect, the town must hold a public election where at least 60% of voters must approve the measure. The revenue collected must be kept in a separate special fund and used only for the specified tourism and recreational purposes, with annual audits required to ensure proper accounting. The authorization for this tax is set to expire on July 1, 2030.

Maddy summarySB 2925 extends the expiration date for a 2% tax on restaurant sales in Starkville, Mississippi, ensuring the tax continues beyond its original end date. The tax applies to gross income from prepared food and beverages at restaurants, collected similarly to sales tax. Revenue is distributed as follows: 15% to the Economic Development Authority, 15% to the Visitors and Convention Council, 10% to the city for development, 40% to Starkville parks for improvements, and 20% to Mississippi State University for student activities. The bill does not change the tax rate or distribution percentages, only the date when the tax would otherwise expire.

Maddy summarySB 3095 appropriates $28,041,412 from the General Fund and $21,487,878 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services' (DITS) expenses for fiscal year 2027. The bill directly affects state agencies that rely on DITS for telecommunication, data center, and other IT services, funding their operations through these allocations. Key provisions restrict $12,034,227 of the total to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 136 permanent staff positions, with strict rules preventing overspending or using these funds for promotions or salary increases beyond authorized headcounts.

Maddy summarySB 3062 allocates $68.16 million in state funds to support the Mississippi Community College Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically covers administrative expenses, the Greenville Higher Education Center ($542,459), geospatial licenses ($37,626), and the Workforce Education Program ($50.83 million), with funds sourced from the General Fund, Education Enhancement Fund, and other dedicated accounts. The bill also directs $30 million for postsecondary career education operations and requires budget submissions for FY2028 following FY2027 standards. It prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement.

Maddy summarySB 3098 appropriates $15.12 million from Mississippi's General Fund and $24.06 million from special funds to cover the Secretary of State's office expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $7.82 million for employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill authorized positions (96 permanent and 11 temporary roles), with strict rules preventing fund transfers to other categories or exceeding budget limits. The bill requires the office to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and prohibits using these funds to replace federal or other special funds. As a funding measure, it does not change the Secretary of State's duties or create new policies.

Maddy summarySB 3063 appropriates $233,257,625 for Mississippi's public community and junior colleges during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds, distributed based on student enrollment (using full-time equivalent counts), support college operations and include special weights for nursing and allied health programs. This funding directly affects all 15 participating community colleges, including Hinds, Meridian, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Colleges, with $80.8 million specifically drawn from the Education Enhancement Fund. The bill also authorizes $32.6 million for employee health/life insurance through the state plan.

Maddy summarySB 3096 appropriates $260.6 million in state funds for Mississippi National Guard operations during fiscal year 2027, covering general expenses and specific programs. It directly funds the Mississippi National Guard, Camp Shelby facilities, the Youth Challenge Program ($2.34 million), the Armed Forces Military Museum ($663,124), and the State Educational Assistance Program ($5.3 million). The bill prohibits using general funds to reimburse National Guard members for training costs (requiring federal funds instead) and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement. All funds must comply with existing state budget laws and be reported annually to legislative committees.

Maddy summarySB 3101 appropriates $5,940,191 from the State General Fund and $22,189,165 from special funds to cover the salaries and operating expenses of Mississippi's State Veterans Affairs Board and State Veterans Homes for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically allocates $4,941,898 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits), restricting these funds to 39 permanent and 25 time-limited staff positions without transfer to other budget categories. It mandates that "Vacancy Funding" ($236,833) must only fill unfilled positions from the prior year, not fund promotions or salary increases for current employees. The bill also requires compliance with Mississippi's Variable Compensation Plan and prohibits using general funds to replace federal or special funds.