This bill proposes changing Mississippi's constitution to automatically restore voting rights for people convicted of certain non-violent crimes (like voter fraud, theft, arson, or embezzlement) once they complete all sentencing requirements, including parole. It directly affects individuals convicted of these specific offenses who are otherwise qualified voters (e.g., meeting age, residency, and citizenship requirements), excluding murder and rape convictions. The bill would replace the current system - where the legislature could restore voting rights via a two-thirds vote - with an automatic restoration process after sentencing ends. It also removes the existing constitutional provision allowing legislative restoration of voting rights for those disqualified by crime.
HB 985 authorizes Mississippi's Commissioner of Insurance to apply for a State Innovation Waiver under the Affordable Care Act (Section 1332). This bill directly affects the Commissioner’s authority by explicitly adding this option to existing powers related to health insurance exchanges. The key provision amends state law to permit the Commissioner to seek federal waivers that could allow Mississippi to modify certain Affordable Care Act requirements for its health insurance market. The change does not create new programs but clarifies the Commissioner’s ability to pursue waiver opportunities under federal law. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
HB 1057 would have allowed registered nurses and advanced practice nurses in Mississippi outpatient clinics to delegate medication administration to trained unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) for patients with stable, predictable health conditions. The bill required nurses to provide direct, in-person supervision, ensure UAPs were properly trained and demonstrated competency, and maintain full accountability for patient care. It prohibited delegation for certain medications and mandated that delegations be tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.
HB 915, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," prevents Mississippi cities, counties, and other local governments from enacting or enforcing any ordinances related to firearms, ammunition, or firearm components. It preempts all local laws on these topics, voiding existing or future regulations unless they exactly match specific state provisions (Sections 45-9-51, 45-9-53, 45-9-101, 97-37-7, and 97-37-9 of the Mississippi Code). The bill also limits lawsuits against gun manufacturers for lawful sales, though it preserves individual claims for negligence or defects. This directly affects municipalities that previously regulated gun ownership or sales and alters liability for firearms businesses.
HB 911, the "Older Mississippians Act," establishes the Mississippi Department of Human Services' Division of Aging and Adult Services as the state's lead agency for aging programs. It replaces previous laws (sections 43-9-1 through 43-9-47) and requires the division to ensure accessible programs and services for older adults (60+), aiming to support their independence, quality of life, and minimize social dependence. Key provisions include designating the division as the "State Unit on Aging" under federal law, setting standards for local area agencies on aging, and granting authority to revoke an agency's designation if it fails to meet requirements. The bill directly affects Mississippi's older adult population and the state agencies delivering senior services.
Mississippi's HB 861 would enact the state's participation in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC). If passed, Mississippi would join other states that have similarly enacted the agreement, committing to award all of its electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote. The bill specifies that participating states would calculate a "national popular vote total" across all member states and certify electors based on that result, rather than the state's own popular vote. This would only take effect once enough states collectively hold a majority of electoral votes (270+). The bill does not change Mississippi's current electoral process but aligns it with the NPVIC framework.
This bill (HC 26) proposes amending the Mississippi Constitution to establish a fundamental right to personal reproductive decisions, including abortion access before fetal viability or when necessary to protect life/health. It directly affects all Mississippi residents seeking reproductive healthcare by prohibiting state interference with these rights. The key provision would create a constitutional guarantee, requiring the state to refrain from denying or interfering with abortion access under the specified conditions. The amendment was referred to the Constitution committee but died there on February 3, 2026, and would have required voter approval in the November 2026 election if passed.
HB 940 extends the expiration date for Mississippi's Municipality and County Water Infrastructure (MCWI) Grant Program Act of 2022 and related exemptions. The bill directly affects municipalities, counties, and certain public utilities eligible to apply for grants to improve water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. It extends the program's deadline for projects funded using Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) and adjusts matching requirements for these grants. This extension ensures continued access to federal ARPA funds for eligible water infrastructure projects without creating new program provisions.
HB 1046 would require public employees convicted of felonies involving $50,000 or more in public funds (after July 1, 2026) to forfeit retirement benefits from Mississippi’s state retirement systems (PERS, SLRP, or MHSPRS). It mandates a separate civil hearing to confirm the conviction and final appeals before benefits are terminated, with the state retirement system only acting after the Attorney General confirms all appeals are exhausted. The bill affects current or former state employees whose felony convictions relate to misuse of public funds, requiring them to lose retirement benefits but allowing refunds of their own contributions without interest. Note: This bill died in committee in 2026 and was never enacted.
HB 847, the "Health Care Facility Right to Visit Act," prohibits Mississippi-licensed hospitals, nursing facilities, and other health care facilities from restricting patient visits by designated family or friends during hospitalizations or treatments lasting more than 24 hours, including during public health emergencies. The bill requires facilities to allow at least two designated visitors for a minimum of two hours per day, while permitting reasonable safety measures (like visitor limits). It also shields facilities from liability claims if they comply with the law, providing legal protection in addition to existing immunity. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1002 deletes a repealer provision from Mississippi Code Section 25-15-15, which governs premium payments for the State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan. This preserves the existing funding structure where the state covers specified portions of health and life insurance costs for eligible employees, including state workers, school staff, and library employees. The bill does not alter benefit levels or cost-sharing requirements but ensures the current mechanism for collecting premiums and funding the plan remains active. It directly affects state and school employees covered under this insurance program.
HB 963 provides retirement benefits for Mississippi law enforcement officers and firefighters who joined the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) on or after July 1, 2011, and have at least four years of service. It grants these members one additional year of retirement credit for every five years of service (at no cost to them), accelerating their eligibility for full retirement benefits. The bill also allows retired PERS members in these roles to work full-time for departments facing critical staffing shortages while still receiving their full retirement pay and salary. These changes directly affect current and future first responders in Mississippi’s state and local public safety agencies.
