HB 148 would have required all Mississippi public, private, parochial, and homeschool students in grades 9-12 to take a comprehensive course on Mississippi History (covering 19th-20th century political/social issues) and United States Government. It would have replaced the existing U.S. History end-of-course test with these new courses, discontinuing the test starting the 2026-2027 school year. The bill also amended education codes to mandate these courses and align curriculum standards. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
HB 23 would automatically restore voting rights for Mississippi residents convicted of voter fraud, crimes listed in Section 241 of the state constitution, or other crimes deemed disenfranchising by Attorney General opinions. Once these individuals complete all sentencing requirements (such as probation, fines, or incarceration), their voting rights would be restored without needing to apply or seek permission. The bill modifies election codes to require automatic removal from voter rolls upon conviction and automatic re-addition once sentencing is fully satisfied. It directly affects people with these specific felony convictions who are otherwise eligible to vote. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.
HB 144 prohibits health insurance plans, Medicaid, and pharmacy benefit managers from requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or other protocols that delay or restrict access to FDA-approved HIV/AIDS medications (antiretroviral drugs). It mandates that insurers cover at least one therapeutically equivalent version of these medications without prior approval, ensuring patients can access treatment without unnecessary barriers. The bill also requires insurers to publicly list HIV medication coverage exceptions on their websites and clarifies override processes for step therapy protocols. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.
HB 143 would have changed Mississippi's licensing rules for birthing centers by removing the requirement for a written agreement with a specific hospital. Instead, it would have mandated centers to create a written transfer plan meeting American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) standards - including coordination with emergency services, regular hospital notifications, and staff training on transfer protocols. The bill aimed to standardize emergency care transitions without tying centers to individual hospitals. The proposed changes would have applied to all licensed birthing centers in Mississippi. The bill died in committee in February 2026.
HB 29 would allow Mississippi offenders on probation or parole to earn time off their supervision period by participating in faith-based activities. Specifically, offenders could earn up to 5 days of reduced supervision for every 40 hours spent in approved faith-based programs, such as religious counseling or community service through faith organizations. This provision, set to take effect July 1, 2026, would apply to all probation and parole cases, including intensive supervision programs, and requires faith-based organizations to submit monthly participation reports. The bill does not change eligibility for earned-discharge credits but adds faith-based participation as a qualifying activity.
HB 75 requires health care providers to give people free copies of their medical records while they are applying for disability benefits through insurance, public assistance, or retirement programs. This applies until the disability eligibility decision is made. After the decision - regardless of outcome - providers may charge state-set fees for record copies, but not more than specified in law. The bill directly affects individuals seeking disability benefits by reducing upfront costs during their application process. It takes effect July 1, 2026, but died in committee before passing.
HB 53 would redirect a portion of Mississippi's state sales tax revenue collected from businesses operating outside incorporated cities (in unincorporated county areas) to county governments. The bill requires counties to use these funds exclusively for repairing, maintaining, and reconstructing roads, streets, and bridges within their jurisdictions. This changes existing tax distribution rules by shifting revenue currently allocated to municipalities for business activity within city limits toward counties for rural infrastructure. The policy directly affects counties with unincorporated areas where businesses operate outside municipal boundaries.
HB 158 provides salary supplements, moving expense reimbursements, and interview cost coverage for teachers with five or more years of experience in "A," "B," or "C"-rated schools who relocate to teach in an "F"-rated school district. The bill amends Mississippi’s teacher salary laws to require school districts to offer these benefits to eligible teachers moving from higher-performing to lower-performing districts. It directly affects experienced educators willing to relocate to struggling schools, aiming to address staffing challenges in underperforming districts. The policy creates a concrete financial incentive for teacher retention and mobility without altering existing salary scales.
HB 25 creates a hardship driver's license for Mississippi residents whose regular license was suspended due to unpaid child support or other court-ordered support payments. To qualify, applicants must petition a court within 30 days, provide clear evidence of hardship (including a recommendation from the Mississippi Department of Human Services), and prove they need driving access for work or religious services. The license, costing $25 and valid for four years, requires a distinct design and restricts driving to only work and religious activities - excluding commercial vehicles. This bill modifies existing license fee and duration rules to specifically include hardship licenses under Section 63-1-47.
HB 89, the proposed "Mississippi Fair Housing Act," would have prohibited discrimination in housing and real estate transactions based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. It would have directly affected real estate brokers, sellers, lenders, property owners, and renters by banning discriminatory practices like refusing service, unequal terms, biased advertising, or financial denial. Key provisions included voiding discriminatory housing restrictions (except for religious organizations' housing), prohibiting retaliation against those opposing discrimination, and allowing legal action for violations. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and never became law.
HB 161 would require Mississippi public schools to administer the EXPLORE assessment to all 8th graders and the PLAN or PSAT to all 10th graders starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The bill aims to improve college readiness by using these assessments to guide students' course selection, career planning, and academic support before they enter college. Schools must integrate assessment results into college and career planning by 2028-2029, with the goal of reducing remedial coursework and lowering college costs. The State Department of Education would track data on implementation and report annually to legislative committees.
HB 189, the "Mississippi High School Dropout Prevention Act of 2026," requires the State Department of Education to work with school districts having the lowest graduation rates and develop targeted interventions. Key provisions include early support for students failing Algebra I, alternative programs (like dual enrollment), expanded access to advanced courses, and data collection on factors like truancy and student demographics. The bill also restricts students aged 17+ from withdrawing from school without written agreements, documented reasons (e.g., financial hardship or illness), and warnings about reduced future earnings. The bill died in committee and was never enacted.
