Major Medical Leave; expand authorized purposes for the use of by state employees.

HB 1555 expands the reasons Mississippi state employees can use major medical leave. It adds new authorized purposes, including care for family members affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as well as continuing treatment for chronic illnesses (with prior medical certification). The bill also clarifies that leave can cover preventive care for employees or family members. This change affects all eligible Mississippi state employees (excluding certain public university staff), allowing them to use leave for these specific health and safety-related needs without prior use of personal leave in some cases. The bill does not change accrual rates or eligibility requirements.