HB 1003 revises Mississippi law to criminalize the *intentional transmission* of serious non-airborne infectious diseases (like HIV or hepatitis) instead of merely exposing others. It requires proof of specific intent to transmit and adds defenses, such as if the affected person knew the disease status beforehand or if transmission didn’t occur. The bill defines "substantial risk" using medical evidence and clarifies that failing to use protection (like condoms) alone doesn’t prove intent. It sets misdemeanor penalties (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine) and includes specific provisions for transmission to corrections staff, visitors, or inmates. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.
This bill clarifies that requests for DNA testing in post-conviction cases are exempt from Mississippi's rule barring second or successive motions. It explicitly adds that inmates who previously filed a motion can seek new DNA testing with untested evidence or advanced technology without being blocked by the "second motion" rule. This directly affects incarcerated individuals seeking to challenge convictions or sentences using newly available DNA evidence. The change amends Mississippi Code sections 99-39-23 and 99-39-27 to make this exception clear in post-conviction procedures.
HB 832 allows Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) retirees to serve in elected state, district, or local office while receiving their retirement benefits. It amends current law to permit retirees to either waive all salary and receive only their retirement allowance (plus limited expense allowances) or accept up to 25% of their average compensation while still receiving retirement benefits. This directly affects PERS retirees seeking or holding elective office positions, removing previous restrictions that required them to choose between retirement benefits and elected office compensation. The bill requires annual written waivers or elections filed with the employer and retirement system office to implement either option.
HB 1054 (2026) would have created civil liability for commercial entities (like websites or platforms) that knowingly publish or distribute child sexual exploitation material online. It would have allowed victims (or their parents/guardians) to sue for actual damages, attorney fees, and up to $10,000 per violation, while protecting internet service providers from liability unless they created the illegal content. The Attorney General could also seek court injunctions against violators. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.
HB 837 prohibits circuit court judges from allowing political candidates to address the public during regular court sessions. It directly affects candidates running for judicial offices (Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit judge, or chancery court). The bill bans judicial candidates from aligning with other candidates or political parties during campaigns and requires them to cast only individual votes in judicial elections. Violations could result in forfeiting a nomination or voiding an election. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1023 would require Mississippi state agencies to identify at least two existing rules for simultaneous repeal whenever proposing a new rule. This procedural bill mandates agencies to include these repealed rules in their rule-making docket, public notice of proposed adoption, and economic impact statements. The economic impact statement must estimate cost savings from eliminating the identified rules to offset implementation costs of the new rule. This bill directly affects all state agencies creating new regulations, focusing on streamlining rulemaking rather than changing substantive policy. (Note: The bill died in committee and never became law.)
HB 878, the "Mississippi Houston/Hunter Act," creates legal immunity for federal firearm licensees (FFLs) who participate in lawful "firearm hold agreements." These agreements allow FFLs to temporarily take possession of a customer's lawfully owned firearm for a set period and return it later. The bill prevents private lawsuits against FFLs for returning firearms at the end of such agreements, unless the FFL acted unlawfully. This directly affects FFLs (like gun shops) and their customers who use these hold arrangements, limiting civil liability for routine returns.
HB 1061 requires most health insurance plans covering Mississippi residents to cover Cologuard colorectal cancer screening tests without additional out-of-pocket costs beyond standard deductibles or coinsurance. The bill mandates that insurers reimburse providers at rates equal to or higher than Medicare's rates for these screenings. This applies to individual and group health insurance policies issued after July 1, 2026, including the state and school employees' health insurance plan. The law ensures coverage for the screening itself and any resulting treatment at no extra cost to patients beyond what they would pay for similar services from participating providers.
HB 995 would allow retired Mississippi public school teachers with at least 30 years of service (or 25 years by 2024) to return to full-time teaching while keeping their retirement benefits. It removes a requirement for school districts to split pension contribution costs 50/50 with the state and sets a fixed salary for returning teachers based on their retirement-level pay grade and license type - capped at 125% of standard district rates. School districts must verify teachers hold current licenses, have no pre-existing hiring agreements, and meet performance standards before rehiring. The bill also requires districts to report hires to the retirement system and adjust funding formulas to cover costs. (Note: The bill died in committee and did not become law.)
HB 982 suspends retirement benefits for Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and Supplemental Legislative Retirement Plan (SLRP) members convicted of felonies involving misuse of public funds, effective July 1, 2026. Benefits are paused until the member fully repays misused public funds, following a court hearing and confirmation that all appeals of the conviction are final. The bill ensures benefits are only suspended from the retirement system covering the employment period where the crime occurred, and the system cannot be held liable for payments made in good faith reliance on court orders and attorney general notifications. It applies to active members, retirees still employed by the state, and retirees who committed the crime during active service.
HB 1025 would have made it a felony to intentionally falsely claim that a crime was committed due to a person's race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or other protected characteristic. Violators would face 1-5 years in prison and a minimum $5,000 fine, plus additional costs for legal or law enforcement expenses. The bill, which died in committee in February 2026, did not become law. If enacted, it would have applied to anyone making such false allegations, with penalties taking effect July 1, 2026. The law aimed to address false hate crime reports by imposing specific criminal penalties.
HB 1060, the "Strengthen Mississippi Homes Act," creates a state program to help homeowners and commercial property owners retrofit properties against windstorm damage from hurricanes and tornadoes. It increases the maximum grant amount for retrofitting from $10,000 to $15,000 per home, removes outdated requirements like cost-benefit studies, and establishes a dedicated "Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program Fund" funded by half of a $50 insurance processing fee. The bill requires insurance companies to notify clients about the program and mandates annual reports to state officials on grants awarded and mitigation outcomes. It directly affects residential and commercial property owners seeking storm-resistant upgrades through state-funded grants.
