Maddy summarySB 2011 appropriates $227.65 million from the State General Fund and $65.79 million from the Education Enhancement Fund for Mississippi's public community and junior colleges during fiscal year 2026. The bill directly affects 14 specific institutions (including Hinds, Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Northeast Mississippi Community Colleges) by funding their operations through a formula based on full-time equivalent student enrollment, with weighted allocations for academic, technical, nursing, and allied health programs. Key provisions include $30.81 million for employee life/health insurance, $6.75 million for workforce development and equipment, $179,050 for sign language interpreter training, and $10 million for education technology. Funds are distributed based on student enrollment counts as of the sixth week of each semester, with advance payments allowed for colleges facing immediate cash flow needs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2010 allocates $69.27 million in state funds for Mississippi's Community College Board to cover administrative costs and specific programs for fiscal year 2026. It directly affects community colleges, students (through GED test fee reimbursements), and workforce training initiatives by providing $50.8 million for workforce education, $30 million for career/technical programs, and $542,459 for the Greenville Higher Education Center. Key mechanisms include funding from the Education Enhancement Fund, fees for virtual programs, and requirements that funds cover only new obligations starting July 1, 2025. The bill does not change laws but authorizes spending for existing operations and student support services.
Maddy summaryThis bill redirects a portion of a 3% fee collected on nonadmitted insurance policies (not fireworks, as the title incorrectly states) to fund fire protection programs. The fee, paid by insurance producers on policies not covered by standard state programs, will be redirected before reaching the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association. Starting July 2025, funds will be allocated annually to three specific fire department funds: $500,000 to the First Responders Health Fund, $12 million to the association, and remaining funds split between the Rural Fire Truck Fund (40%), Municipal Fire Protection Fund (30%), and County Volunteer Fire Department Fund (30%). This law, signed by the governor on April 7, 2025, directly affects fire departments in rural, municipal, and volunteer settings by providing dedicated funding streams.
Maddy summarySB 2267 establishes the Mississippi Statewide Data Exchange Act, requiring the Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) to create a secure, cloud-based platform for state agencies to share data efficiently. It mandates a comprehensive study, a phased implementation plan, and a centralized digital hub for businesses to submit and track state filings. The bill also creates a CIO Council of agency IT leaders to oversee the system, ensure privacy/security compliance, and provide strategic guidance. This directly affects all Mississippi state agencies and businesses interacting with state government services through digital filings. The platform aims to reduce duplication, improve service delivery, and standardize data sharing across state operations.
Maddy summarySB 3058 extends the expiration date of Petal, Mississippi’s tourism-related taxes from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2029. The bill preserves existing taxes on bars (up to 3% of alcohol/sales), restaurants (up to 3% of food/alcohol sales), and hotels/motels (up to 3% of room rentals) that fund tourism promotion, parks, and recreation. These taxes must be collected separately from general city funds, with audit requirements and a 60% voter approval threshold for implementation. The extension allows Petal to continue using these dedicated revenue streams for local tourism development through 2029.
Maddy summarySC 544 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives to extend condolences to Paul Gallo's family and honor his 56-year career as a talk radio host in Mississippi. It recognizes Gallo's role as a "Godfather" of Mississippi talk radio, his hosting of "The Gallo Radio Show," and his community impact - including raising nearly $3 million for children's causes through SuperTalk's Radiothon. The resolution emphasizes his dedication to amplifying Mississippi's stories, holding leaders accountable, and connecting with listeners as "family" over decades. As a ceremonial tribute, it has no policy effect or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Madalyn Oliphant of Hickory, Mississippi, for being crowned Miss Mississippi Teen USA 2025. It recognizes her as the first African American contestant to represent Mississippi in the Teen USA National Competition and notes her upcoming participation in the national event. The resolution extends congratulations to Oliphant, acknowledges her academic pursuits as a pre-nursing student at East Central Community College, and directs that it be presented to her, her family, and the Miss Mississippi Teen USA organization. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact beyond public recognition.
Maddy summarySB 2869 amends Mississippi's "Native Spirit Law" to formally include "craft spirits" as a distinct category, directly affecting small distilleries operating within the state. The bill defines "craft spirit" as any alcoholic beverage produced by a Mississippi distillery (regardless of ingredient sourcing), while "native spirit" still requires 51% Mississippi-grown ingredients. Key provisions update permit requirements, allow distilleries to sell directly at tasting rooms within 5 miles or one permanent satellite location, and clarify tax rules (e.g., $300 annual tax per 1,000 gallons produced, with no excise tax on samples under 2 ounces). These changes standardize regulations for craft distilleries under the existing framework without altering tax rates or sales restrictions for native spirits.
Maddy summarySB 3011 allocates $98.8 million in state funds for the Mississippi Community College Board's administrative expenses and specific programs during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It directly affects the Board and its operations, including $50.8 million for workforce education, $542,459 for the Greenville Higher Education Center, and $2.5 million for virtual training programs. The bill specifies funding sources like the Workforce Enhancement Training Fund and Education Enhancement Fund, with no policy changes - only budgetary allocations for existing services.
Maddy summarySB 2968 changes how Mississippi calculates property taxes for rural agricultural structures like barns and poultry houses (excluding homes). It requires revaluing structures appraised before 2025 and mandates a fixed 7% annual depreciation rate for all rural structures after initial appraisal. Poultry houses have specific rules: their value cannot drop below 20% of original value, and a 45% economic obsolescence adjustment applies. These changes directly affect owners of commercial agricultural buildings, not residential properties.