Maddy summaryThe Mississippi Youth Court Reform Act of 2026 overhauls the state's juvenile justice and child welfare systems by restructuring court jurisdictions, mandating public access to hearings, and establishing a statewide diversion program for low-risk youth. The bill requires that youth court divisions be housed within chancery courts in counties without county courts, while prohibiting the creation of new county youth courts and requiring full-time judges to handle these cases by 2031. It also opens youth court proceedings to the general public, with specific exceptions allowing judges to close hearings for child welfare matters if justified on the record. Additionally, the legislation creates a Family Services Forum to coordinate cross-agency support for children and families, and mandates the implementation of a uniform data management system to replace existing tracking software by 2029.
Sponsored bills
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 3071 reappropriates $54.4 million in unspent Gulf Coast Restoration Funds (split across Sections 2 and 3) to the Mississippi Development Authority for specific projects in fiscal year 2027. It directly affects 17 recipients, including cities (Diamondhead, Gulfport, Moss Point), counties (Pearl River, Hancock), universities (Mississippi State, USM), and organizations (Pascagoula Redevelopment, Ohr-O'Keefe Museum), for projects like harbor restoration, road improvements, and cultural center renovations. The bill authorizes spending only from unexpended balances remaining as of June 30, 2026, and cannot alter the original purpose of the funds. It does not create new policy but reallocates existing funds for previously approved projects under Senate Bill 2047.
Maddy summarySB 3070 is a funding bill appropriating $204.5 million ($16.48 million from the General Fund and $188.04 million from the State Treasury) to the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically limits MDA’s personnel spending to $13.13 million for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits), authorizing 142 total positions (106 permanent, 36 time-limited). It requires strict adherence to budgeted headcounts, prohibits using funds for promotions or salary increases beyond appropriations, and mandates compliance with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan for employee pay. The funding directly affects MDA employees and its operational budget, with no new policy changes beyond financial allocation.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for Jackson County's authority to donate money to the Friends of Arts, Culture and Education (F.A.C.E.) until July 1, 2030. It allows the Jackson County Board of Supervisors to give up to $5,000 annually from county funds to this nonprofit organization that supports local arts and education programs. The change does not create new funding rules but simply delays when the current donation permission ends. Only the Jackson County government and the F.A.C.E. organization are directly affected by this legislative update.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Jackson County Board of Supervisors to create and appoint a five-member county fair board to oversee fair operations and fairground facilities. The board will consist of qualified voters from each supervisor district, with members serving concurrent terms and receiving per diem payments for meetings attended. Key provisions grant the board authority to manage fair activities, establish rules for fairground use, hire staff, operate concession stands, and make contracts related to fair operations. The board must report annually on fair activities and can recommend fairground usage for large events, while the Board of Supervisors retains oversight and funding control.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $909,689 from the State General Fund to cover the Mississippi Ethics Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It authorizes six permanent staff positions and requires the Commission to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY 2026 standards. The bill also mandates that the Commission prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and permits insurance purchases for agency vehicles. It does not change ethics laws or create new policies - it solely provides funding and administrative guidelines for the Commission's existing operations.
Maddy summarySB 3069 appropriates $6,391,102 from the State General Fund to cover the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $25,000 for the Second Injury Fund and sets detailed spending limits for "Personal Services," including salaries for key roles: Commission Chairman ($142,200), Members ($137,800), and Administrative Law Judges ($132,900). The bill restricts how funds can be used, requiring strict adherence to headcount limits and prohibiting transfers to other budget categories, with oversight by the State Personnel Board to ensure compliance with salary and staffing rules. This is a funding measure for the Commission's existing operations, not a new policy.
Maddy summarySB 3075 appropriates $4,398,210 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy to cover its expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027), with $2,897,314 specifically designated for salaries, wages, and benefits for its 21 authorized permanent staff positions. The bill restricts how these funds can be used, requiring that salary increases and headcount changes comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and not exceed the allocated budget without legislative approval. It mandates that the Board achieve 100% of licenses and renewals processed within specified timeframes (10 business days for new licenses, 2 for renewals). This funding bill directly affects the Board of Pharmacy’s operational budget and staffing, with no policy changes beyond financial allocation.
Maddy summarySB 3067 appropriates $165 million from the State General Fund and $111 million from the State Treasury to fund the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It allocates $153 million specifically for "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and benefits) to cover 1,751 authorized positions (1,685 permanent and 66 time-limited). The bill requires that "Vacancy Funding" be used only to fill unfilled positions - not for raises, promotions, or salary increases - and mandates strict budget adherence, with the State Personnel Board monitoring compliance to prevent overspending. This funding ensures the department can operate within its allocated budget while maintaining staffing levels.