HB 455 requires Mississippi courts to automatically expunge misdemeanor criminal records in specific cases where a person was arrested but later released without conviction - such as when charges were dismissed, dropped, or the person was found not guilty at trial. This applies to all misdemeanor cases meeting these criteria, directly affecting individuals with dismissed or unresolved misdemeanor charges. The bill updates court procedures to mandate this automatic process and requires law enforcement agencies to report expungements to the Mississippi Justice Information Center. It does not apply to misdemeanor traffic violations or cases involving certain offenses like violent crimes, but focuses solely on clearing records for non-convicted misdemeanor cases.
HB 474 establishes a three-year pilot program for students in Lee and Monroe counties to learn about environmental stewardship, including soil, water, plants, animals, air, and land ownership. The program, administered jointly by the county boards of supervisors, will teach students the importance of maintaining a healthy environment and the economic value of property ownership. It requires annual reports to the legislature detailing participation, costs, effectiveness, and recommendations for expansion, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026, subject to available funding. The bill does not create permanent funding but sets a framework for evaluating the program's potential statewide adoption.
HB 511 would require businesses offering recurring subscription or membership services to notify customers at least 24 hours before charging them for those services. This bill directly affects businesses (like streaming services, gym memberships, or meal kits) and their customers in Mississippi. The key provision mandates a 24-hour advance notice period before any automatic renewal charge occurs, in addition to existing federal rules. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
HB 425 authorizes Mississippi residents to purchase distinctive motor vehicle license tags supporting the State Department of Health for an additional $30 annual fee on top of standard registration costs. The bill directs that $24 of each $30 fee goes to the Public Health Trust Fund, $1 to the Mississippi Burn Care Fund, $2 to the State Highway Fund for road maintenance, and $1 to another special fund. Vehicle owners must display these tags alongside their regular license plates and pay the fee annually when registering or renewing their vehicle. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to all eligible vehicle owners in Mississippi.
HB 493 authorizes local law enforcement agencies to partner with independent nonpublic schools (private schools accredited by MAIS or the state, not under state education board oversight) to place school resource officers (SROs) on their campuses. It requires a written agreement (MOU) between law enforcement and the school’s governing board, mandating at least one SRO per campus. The bill also sets training rules: non-sworn SROs must complete basic law enforcement training within two years, or lose their peace officer authority. This changes existing law to formalize SRO placements at these private schools while ensuring officer qualifications.
HB 478 requires Mississippi healthcare providers to give parents a written notice at minor visits about their right to block others from consenting to their child's medical treatment. Parents can also designate specific adults (like grandparents or siblings) authorized to consent for their child. Providers must obtain parental consent (or a designated adult's) before treating unemancipated minors, with a 72-hour window to contact parents if consent isn't immediately provided. Exceptions include emergencies, mental health care, certain infectious disease treatments, and cases involving the Department of Child Protection Services.
HB 451 automatically restores voting rights for Mississippi residents convicted of vote fraud or specific crimes listed in Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution (including most felonies) once they complete all sentencing requirements, such as prison time, fines, or probation. It directly affects individuals with prior felony convictions who have finished their sentences. The bill amends voting rights laws to remove the need for a separate application or court order for reinstatement, as rights are restored automatically upon full compliance with sentencing. This change applies to all relevant voting laws in Mississippi, including registration and election management systems. The bill does not alter which crimes disenfranchise voters but simplifies the restoration process.
HB 456 requires Mississippi courts to automatically expunge criminal records when a person is arrested, released, and the case is dismissed, charges are dropped, there is no disposition, or the person is found not guilty at trial. This eliminates the need for individuals to file a separate petition to clear their records in these situations. Law enforcement agencies must report these expungements to the Mississippi Justice Information Center. The bill applies to all qualifying cases without requiring additional steps from the affected individuals.
HB 533 would have authorized Mississippi pharmacists to test for and treat specific minor, nonchronic health conditions like the flu, strep throat, UTIs, lice, and COVID-19. The bill defined these conditions as short-term issues manageable with basic care or noncontrolled medications, allowed pharmacists to delegate testing tasks to supervised interns or technicians, and required health insurance plans to cover these services similarly to physician-provided care. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.
HB 486 requires Mississippi public school districts to adopt a policy granting all school district employees (both instructional and noninstructional) free admission to school-sponsored athletic and extracurricular events governed by the Mississippi High School Activities Association. The policy must be included in employment contracts as part of an employee’s compensation and applies only to the employee, not to family members or others. School boards must implement this policy starting with the 2026-2027 school year, effective July 1, 2026. This bill directly affects school employees by providing a non-monetary benefit tied to their employment.
HB 418 removes a requirement for certified nurse midwives (CNMs) in Mississippi to have a written collaborative agreement with a physician to practice. The bill amends Mississippi law (Sections 73-15-5 and 73-15-20) to allow CNMs to practice as advanced practice registered nurses without needing such an agreement or physician protocol guidelines. This directly affects licensed CNMs who previously faced this administrative barrier. The key change simplifies their practice structure by eliminating mandatory written agreements with physicians, aligning with existing exceptions in the law for CNMs.
HB 453 requires Mississippi's Secretary of State to create a secure online portal on the official website where voters who cast affidavit ballots can check if their vote was counted. Voters would enter a secure PIN (like the last four digits of their Social Security number) to see: 1) whether their vote was counted, and 2) if not, the specific reason (e.g., missing ID documentation). This applies directly to voters who used affidavit ballots due to issues like lacking photo ID, registration questions, or being denied voting access. The portal must be available within 30 days after any election.
