HB 977 authorizes Mississippi local law enforcement agencies to partner with independent nonpublic schools (defined as MAIS-member, state-accredited schools not under State Board of Education authority) through written agreements to assign school resource officers (SROs). It requires at least one SRO per campus and mandates that non-sworn security staff employed as SROs complete basic law enforcement training within two years. Failure to meet this training requirement results in loss of peace officer powers on school property. The bill directly affects eligible independent nonpublic schools and their agreements with local law enforcement.
HB 1032 establishes a new retirement system, the "First Responders Retirement System," for Mississippi law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, emergency management personnel, and public safety telecommunicators. Effective July 1, 2026, the system provides retirement, disability, and death benefits, including a cost-of-living adjustment tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners. It replaces existing retirement benefits under Article 3 of Mississippi's Public Employees' Retirement Law for these workers while allowing them to retain social security benefits under Article 1. The bill also defines eligibility, requires employee and employer contributions, and creates an administrative board to manage the system.
HB 987 requires businesses offering automatic renewals or continuous services (like streaming subscriptions or software) to clearly explain terms before charging customers and obtain their explicit agreement. It mandates that businesses present renewal terms prominently, get "affirmative consent" (such as a clear click or signature) before charging, and provide easy online cancellation options. The bill also requires businesses to notify customers of material changes to terms and refund charges if consent wasn't properly obtained. It excludes banks, credit unions, utilities, and other regulated entities from these requirements. The law would take effect July 1, 2026, but died in committee in February 2026.
HB 1074, the Mississippi Long-Term Care Ombudsman Act, creates a state ombudsman program within the Mississippi Department of Human Services to address concerns in long-term care facilities. It directly affects residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and similar care settings by establishing a system for filing and investigating complaints about facility conditions, safety, or rights violations. Key provisions require facilities to inform residents about the program, mandate confidential complaint procedures with anti-retaliation protections, and assign local representatives to conduct facility visits and resolve issues. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and would have replaced Mississippi’s previous Long-Term Care Facilities Ombudsman Act.
HB 1090 requires Mississippi's Department of Mental Health and community mental health centers to expand outpatient and community-based services for formerly incarcerated individuals diagnosed with mental illness during their time in state correctional facilities. The bill specifically targets this population to improve access to care after release, with services funded through existing appropriations. It mandates these expanded services for eligible individuals who are no longer incarcerated, aiming to support their reintegration. The bill was referred to committee in early 2026 but died there, so it has not become law.
HB 1066 transfers administration of Mississippi's Main Street Revitalization Grant Program from the Mississippi Development Authority to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The bill increases the maximum annual grant amount available to a single community and authorizes the Department of Archives and History to allocate up to 2% of the grant fund to the Mississippi Main Street Association for administrative costs. This program funds downtown revitalization projects - including historic preservation and economic development - supporting eligible communities across Mississippi with matching funds required from applicants.
HB 1088 requires Mississippi public K-12 schools to fully implement a physical education curriculum aligned with the state's framework. It mandates specific requirements: 150 minutes weekly of physical activity for K-8 students, a half-credit in physical education for high school graduation (starting 2015-2016), and hands-on CPR/AED training as part of the curriculum. Schools failing to comply would face reduced state education funding tied to their physical education spending. The law directly affects all Mississippi public K-12 schools and aims to increase student physical activity through standardized programming.
HB 1087 prohibits any intentional release of chemicals into Mississippi's atmosphere with the purpose of altering weather, temperature, or sunlight intensity. It directly affects individuals, companies, or government entities attempting weather modification activities within the state. The bill adds this specific prohibition to Mississippi's existing environmental laws (referencing Sections 49-17-5, 19, 25, and 36 of the Mississippi Code), which govern air and water pollution. This is a concrete policy change banning a defined activity, not a new regulatory framework. The bill was introduced in 2026 but died in committee without becoming law.
HB 1080 designates September 27th as "Hiram Revels Day" in Mississippi to honor Hiram Revels, who was elected to the U.S. Senate by the Mississippi Legislature in 1870 - making him the first African American to serve in either chamber of Congress. The bill specifies this day should be observed for recognition and commemoration but clarifies it is not a legal holiday, unlike other days listed in Mississippi law. The bill was introduced in 2026 but died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law. It directly affects Mississippi residents through state recognition of Revels' historical significance during the Reconstruction era.
HB 1079 would require mineral rights separated from surface ownership after January 1, 2027, to automatically revert to the surface owner if no oil or gas production occurs for ten consecutive years. It defines "nonproduction" as wells not located in the correct government sections for oil (quarter-quarter) or gas (one-half section). The ten-year period restarts after any production attempt or shut-in rental payment, but cannot expire within 180 days of restarting. This bill directly affects surface landowners and mineral rights holders in Mississippi, changing how unused mineral rights are handled after a decade of inactivity. The bill died in committee and has not become law.
HB 1082 amends Mississippi law to address repeated sales of alcohol to people under 21. It requires businesses with alcohol licenses (like bars or restaurants) to use a third-party age-verification app with at least 85% accuracy after their third or subsequent violation within 12 months. The app must be used on licensed premises to confirm customers are 21 or older before selling alcohol, in addition to existing fines and license suspensions. This policy change adds a new administrative tool for enforcement, targeting repeat offenders without altering penalties for first or second violations.
HB 1077 authorizes Mississippi county boards of supervisors to hire special assistant counsel to support the county board attorney. The special assistant counsel would work under the main attorney with a salary capped at half the maximum annual salary for the primary board attorney. Before hiring, the board must formally document in its minutes that the position is necessary and in the county's best interest, including the specific duties assigned. This change modifies county legal staffing procedures without altering the main attorney's responsibilities or creating new substantive law.
