Sen. David Blount

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Carroll E. Rhodes for his lifetime of service to civil rights and constitutional principles in Mississippi. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official legislative commendation recognizing Rhodes' career in legal advocacy and his contributions to voting rights and democratic participation. The resolution expresses the Mississippi Legislature's gratitude and admiration for Rhodes' work and intends to present the document to him as a symbol of respect.

Maddy summarySB 3106 extends the current tax funding system for Jackson's Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and authorizes a new 1% tax on hotel/motel sales and a 0.5% tax on restaurant sales within Jackson. These new taxes would require a public election to approve before implementation, directly affecting hotels, motels, and restaurants in Jackson that meet specific revenue thresholds. The bill updates existing tax provisions (last amended in 2022) to continue funding the CVB, which promotes tourism and events in the city.

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 restores the right to vote to Dennis Hopkins of Marshall County, Mississippi, who was previously disqualified in 1998 after being convicted of grand larceny and burglary. The legislation formally recognizes that Hopkins completed his prison sentence and all conditions of his probation by April 2001 and has since lived as a law-abiding citizen. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026, allowing Hopkins to register and vote in upcoming elections.

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 summaryMississippi Senate Bill 3109 exempts nonprofit organizations from paying state and local property taxes on leasehold interests or subleases for state park lands. Specifically, it amends Section 55-3-47 of Mississippi law to remove ad valorem taxes for nonprofits using leased park land to develop, support, improve, administer, or operate parks. This applies directly to qualifying nonprofits that lease park areas under existing state park management authority. The bill ensures these tax exemptions align with the state's existing framework for leasing park lands to nonprofits, without creating new leasing programs or altering park management terms.

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 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 bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally commends Sam Hubbard for his retirement as Deputy Commissioner of Mississippi's Department of Banking and Consumer Finance after more than 36 years of service. The resolution recognizes his career progression from an examiner trainee in 1990 to his current leadership role, highlighting his oversight of banking operations and policy development. It directs that the resolution be presented to Hubbard and forwarded to the Governor and the department, with copies made available to the press. This is a ceremonial measure that honors Hubbard's contributions to the state's financial regulatory system without changing any laws or policies.