Sen. Walter Michel

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 2409 creates the "Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program" within the Mississippi Department of Insurance to provide financial grants for homeowners and commercial property owners to retrofit structures against hurricane, tornado, and other windstorm damage. The bill increases grant amounts to $15,000 per home, replaces the previous "Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program," and establishes a dedicated "Strengthen Mississippi Homes Fund" funded partly by increased insurance agent fees. Property owners must be insurable, and insurance companies must notify clients about the program within 30 days of filing discount schedules. The program requires the Department of Insurance to set eligibility rules, prioritize grants based on reducing state risk, and report annually on grants awarded and homes retrofitted.

Maddy summarySB 3328 extends the funding mechanism for Jackson's Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) by delaying its expiration date and authorizes an additional 1% tax on hotel/motel sales and 0.5% tax on restaurant sales within Jackson. These new taxes would fund the CVB but require a public election to approve their implementation. The bill specifically defines "hotel/motel" (excluding properties with ≤10 units) and "restaurant" (requiring ≥$100,000 annual sales) for tax purposes. It also updates the CVB's structure, requiring nine appointed members representing tourism sectors, business, arts, education, and attractions. The measure directly affects Jackson-based hotels, motels, and restaurants by potentially increasing their tax burden if voters approve the new rates.

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 2834 authorizes Mississippi vehicle owners to obtain distinctive license tags supporting "Shower Power" (listed as item "an" in the bill) by paying a $30 annual fee. This fee is split: $24 goes directly to Shower Power, $1 funds the Mississippi Burn Care Fund, $2 supports highway maintenance, and $1 goes to another state fund. The tags must be displayed alongside the regular license plate, and owners must surrender the regular tag when obtaining the distinctive one. This bill affects any Mississippi resident who owns a vehicle and chooses to pay the additional fee to display support for Shower Power.

Maddy summarySB 2596 authorizes the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to transfer a 3.24-acre parcel of land in Ridgeland to the City of Ridgeland at no cost. The bill specifies that the State of Mississippi retains all mineral rights to the property and allows MDOT to correct any errors in the land’s legal description. This procedural bill directly affects the City of Ridgeland (as the recipient) and MDOT (as the transferor), with no new policy or financial obligations beyond the property transfer.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally congratulates Yasmine Ware of Madison, Mississippi, on being selected as a 2025 Harry S. Truman Scholar. The resolution recognizes her academic achievements, leadership roles, and commitment to public service, including her work founding Yasmine's Warehouse and her internships with federal agencies. It also notes that the Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate study and is one of 54 such awards given nationwide each year. The bill directs that the resolution be presented to Ware and her family and made available to the Capitol press corps.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that formally commends Mrs. Nora Roberts Miller for her distinguished leadership as President of Mississippi University for Women. It recognizes her 30-year career in higher education and her contributions to the state, particularly highlighting her role as the institution's fifteenth and first alumna president. The resolution notes specific achievements during her tenure, including enrollment growth and favorable student outcomes, and directs that copies of the commendation be presented to her and made available to the press. This is a ceremonial measure with no changes to laws or policies, serving only to honor her retirement and service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes and commends David Hoke of Understanding the Word Ministries for delivering Bibles to the Mississippi Legislature. The resolution acknowledges his broader efforts to distribute religious texts to state officials across the United States and internationally. It serves as a ceremonial tribute to his faith-based work and does not establish any new laws or policy requirements. The document is intended for presentation to Mr. Hoke and public release through the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution extends the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Warner Alford, Jr., a former University of Mississippi Athletic Director who passed away in March 2026. The resolution recognizes Alford's extensive contributions to Ole Miss athletics, including his 16-year tenure as director during which he expanded the program from eight to 15 sports and oversaw significant facility improvements. It also highlights his numerous honors, including inductions into multiple halls of fame, and notes his continued service to the university after retirement through alumni work and scholarship programs.