HB 926 authorizes automated speed cameras in highway work zones where workers are present, allowing law enforcement to issue citations based on images showing vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 10+ mph. It requires specific conditions: at least one worker must be present, a certified officer must be nearby in a marked vehicle, and clear signage with flashing lights must be displayed. The bill mandates annual calibration of devices, restricts image sharing to the driver, and creates a Highway Work Zone Safety Fund to dedicate collected fines toward enhanced enforcement. It also doubles fines for repeat violations in work zones and amends existing traffic laws to align with these new enforcement standards.
HB 938 extends the deadlines for repealing several Mississippi youth court-related statutes. It delays the repeal of rules governing confidentiality of youth court records (Section 43-21-261), requirements for youth court staff to enter data into the MYCIDS system (Section 43-21-351), the Youth Court Support Program (Section 43-21-801), restrictions on sex offenders accessing MYCIDS (Section 45-33-61), and parental power of attorney rules (Section 93-31-3). The bill does not change current policies but postpones their expiration dates. This affects youth court operations, record handling, and access to the MYCIDS data system.
HB 879 changes Mississippi's attorney licensure rules to allow out-of-state lawyers to practice without taking the state bar exam under specific conditions. It applies directly to attorneys who establish Mississippi residency for 12 consecutive months and have practiced law for at least five years in good standing in another state. The bill requires these applicants to submit proof of active status and good standing from their previous state, including a certificate from the highest court and two bar members' recommendations. This eliminates the exam requirement while maintaining verification of qualifications through existing licensing documentation.
HB 850 repeals Mississippi's current abortion restrictions (which allow exceptions for the mother's life or rape) and sets up a statewide referendum on November 3, 2026. Voters will decide whether to prohibit abortions except in those same circumstances (life preservation or rape). If a majority votes "Yes" (to prohibit), the repeal won't take effect; if a majority votes "No" (to allow the repeal), the new law banning abortions without those exceptions will take effect January 1, 2027. This directly affects all Mississippi residents seeking or providing abortions and the state's abortion access policies. The bill's outcome depends solely on voter approval in the special election.
HB 1000 would establish Mississippi's first state-run paid family and medical leave program, providing eligible workers with partial wage replacement (up to 60-70% of average weekly wage) for up to 12 weeks annually to care for a newborn, adopted child, seriously ill family member, or address their own serious health condition. It would require employers to provide written notice about the program to employees and create a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund financed through premiums. The bill defines "covered individuals" as workers meeting specific earnings thresholds (e.g., $26x minimum benefit amount in their base period) and outlines benefits for medical leave, newborn/adoptive care, and military family needs ("qualifying exigency leave"). However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
HB 973 amends Mississippi law to remove possession of a stolen firearm (when committed knowingly or intentionally) from the exclusive jurisdiction of youth courts. This change means minors charged with this specific offense would now be handled directly in circuit court, not youth court. The bill applies to cases where a minor knowingly possesses a firearm that was stolen, which would be a felony if committed by an adult. This policy shift affects minors accused of this particular offense by moving their cases to adult criminal court proceedings. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 996 would raise the minimum annual pay for Mississippi's K-3 assistant teachers from an unspecified prior amount to $20,000, effective for the 2026-2027 school year. The bill directly affects assistant teachers in kindergarten through third grade, who currently assist licensed teachers under supervision in classrooms. It requires school districts to fund these positions at the new minimum rate, with potential future adjustments based on state revenue growth. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and has not become law.
HB 876 amends Mississippi's justice court rules by maintaining the $5,000 limit for debt or damage claims while updating filing fees. It increases the uniform civil case fee from $45 to $55 (effective July 2027) and raises certain criminal conviction fees, such as the $10 fee for minor violations to $12.50. These changes directly affect individuals filing small claims, seeking expungements, or facing criminal charges processed in justice courts. The bill also preserves existing fees for services like marriage ceremonies ($10) and expungements ($50 maximum). These adjustments aim to align court costs with current economic conditions.
HB 1056 would have prohibited Mississippi from issuing motor vehicle title certificates to applicants who are not U.S. citizens and use a non-U.S. passport as identification. This procedural bill specifically amended state law to exclude foreign passports as acceptable evidence for title applications by non-citizens. It directly affects non-citizen residents attempting to title vehicles in Mississippi using foreign passports. The bill died in committee in 2026 and never became law.
HB 885 requires Mississippi's newborn screening program to include testing for cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that can cause hearing loss and developmental delays in infants. This change affects all newborns in Mississippi by adding CMV to the list of conditions screened for at birth, alongside existing conditions like PKU and congenital hypothyroidism. The State Department of Health must implement this screening by July 1, 2026, to enable early detection and treatment. The bill expands routine newborn care to address a preventable cause of infant health complications.
HB 890 establishes the Downtown Jackson Revitalization Coalition to coordinate efforts among federal, state, and local stakeholders in developing a comprehensive revitalization plan for downtown Jackson. The coalition, composed of 21 designated members including federal officials, state leaders, city officials, and community representatives, must hold monthly meetings and submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature by December 15, 2026. The report must detail existing resources, coalition activities, and specific recommendations for economic development, crime reduction, and infrastructure improvements. This bill creates a formal coordination mechanism but does not allocate new funding or mandate specific actions. It directly affects Jackson city stakeholders and state officials responsible for reviewing the coalition's recommendations.
This bill allows cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, and instructors with at least 10 years of licensed experience to renew their expired licenses without taking an exam, provided the license expired within the last five years. Instead of taking an exam, these professionals must pay the standard renewal fee, any outstanding fines, and a late fee for each year the license was expired. The change modifies existing renewal rules that previously required an exam after three years of expiration. It applies only to those meeting the specific experience and expiration criteria.
