This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Mississippi state legislators to three consecutive four-year terms in either the House of Representatives or Senate. It would prevent any member elected after July 1, 2026, from seeking re-election after serving three full terms in their chamber. The amendment applies only to future officeholders, not current members, and would require voter approval in the November 2026 election. If passed, it would change the Mississippi Constitution by adding term limits to Sections 34 (House) and 35 (Senate), with the new rules taking effect for terms beginning after July 2026.
HB 152 would increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals in Mississippi counties with both an average unemployment rate of 8% or higher (based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data) and a critical shortage of doctors and nurses. Specifically, it requires the Medicaid division to pay at least 80% of the Medicare rate for inpatient hospital services in these areas, starting September 1, 2026, with annual adjustments. This targets rural hospitals struggling with workforce shortages and economic challenges, aiming to improve their financial stability. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
HB 77, which died in committee on February 3, 2026, proposed requiring all Mississippi public universities and colleges to conduct annual mental health assessments for every member of school-sponsored athletic teams governed by national or regional sports associations. The bill also mandated assessments for any enrolled student with an arrest record, administered by licensed professionals (like doctors or psychologists) using cognitive and behavioral criteria, with results kept confidential. Institutions would need to partner with local behavioral health specialists to provide follow-up care and could consult the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for resources. The bill was never enacted, as it failed to advance beyond committee review.
HB 36 changes how vacancies in municipal executive committees are filled when they occur within 90 days of a municipal primary election. Instead of the municipal committee filling the vacancy, the State Executive Committee must appoint a replacement. Appointees serve until the next regular election for executive committees, ensuring continuity through the election cycle. This applies only to vacancies near primary elections and does not alter other committee procedures or candidate qualifications.
HB 179 would have amended Mississippi's Medicaid law to add a new eligibility category for individuals aged 55 or older who require nursing facility-level care, reside in an area served by a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organization, and meet additional program-specific requirements set by the Division of Medicaid. This change would have directly affected elderly Mississippi residents needing intensive long-term care who live within PACE service areas but did not previously qualify for Medicaid coverage under existing categories. The bill’s key mechanism involved updating Section 43-13-115 of the Mississippi Code to explicitly include this group as Medicaid recipients. The proposal aimed to expand access to comprehensive care through PACE programs, which integrate medical, social, and support services. (Note: The bill died in committee on 2026-02-03 and did not become law.)
HB 74 directs Mississippi's Health Department to establish WISEWOMAN (for women) and WISEMAN (for men) programs targeting chronic diseases in counties west of Interstate 55. The programs would provide education on healthy behaviors, early screening for heart disease, stroke, specific cancers, and diabetes, and prevention services based on scientific evidence. They would be implemented through contracts with clinics or agencies experienced in reducing chronic disease incidence. The bill, which died in committee in February 2026, would have required the Health Department to seek CDC grants for funding but is not currently law.
HB 165 would create the "Dream Makers Program" for public school students in grades 7 and 8 across Mississippi, aiming to spark interest in science, mathematics, and healthcare careers. The two-year after-school program requires participants to maintain a 2.5 GPA, receive teacher recommendations, and demonstrate good attendance and positive conduct. It includes hands-on components like specimen dissection, health professional panels, and interactions with University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) staff. The bill establishes a state trust fund to cover startup and operational costs for school districts implementing the program.
HB 22 would allow eligible Mississippi voters to register and vote on election day at designated polling locations. To register, voters must present photo ID and address proof (if the ID doesn't show address), sign a sworn statement confirming they haven't voted before, and meet all existing voter eligibility requirements. Election officials would set up specific locations for this process, with registration ballots handled and counted identically to absentee ballots. The bill requires the Secretary of State to create implementing rules and amend related election laws to support this process.
HB 240 creates a state-funded grant program to help Mississippi counties maintain or restore historic courthouses. Counties seeking grants must contribute 25% of the requested amount as matching funds. The Department of Archives and History would manage the fund, which could also accept donations or receive additional state appropriations, with all funds used solely for courthouse preservation projects. The bill was introduced in 2026 but died in committee before becoming law.
HB 221 allows Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts representatives to speak with Mississippi public school students about civic involvement and participation opportunities, but only with principal approval and prior parent notification (at least 3 days in advance). It requires schools to provide parents or eligible students (18+) with information about local, age-appropriate water safety courses and swimming lessons - including free or low-cost options - starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill defines "water safety" as education promoting safety around water to reduce drowning risks. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and currently remains pending after dying in committee.
HB 197 designates June 19 (Juneteenth National Independence Day) as a legal holiday in Mississippi, adding it to the state's official list of recognized holidays. The bill specifically adds "the nineteenth day of June (Juneteenth National Independence Day)" to Section 3-3-7 of the Mississippi Code, making it a day when state offices and institutions close. It also clarifies that if Juneteenth falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as the holiday, consistent with existing rules for other state holidays. This change aligns Mississippi with 47 other states and the District of Columbia that recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday.
HB 210 increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals in Mississippi counties with both high unemployment (8%+ average monthly rate for the prior fiscal year) and a critical shortage of physicians/nurses. It requires the state Medicaid division to pay at least 80% of the Medicare rate for inpatient and outpatient services at qualifying hospitals, starting September 1, 2026. The bill targets hospitals in underserved areas to support healthcare access, with eligibility determined by a committee including hospital and nursing associations. This policy change directly affects hospitals in designated counties, not all healthcare providers.
