HB 1288 revises the allocation rules for funds in Mississippi's 2023 Local Improvements Projects Fund, changing which specific projects receive disbursements. The bill modifies Section 28 of Chapter 549 to redirect $1.5 million previously designated for a project in the Town of Terry toward other local infrastructure and community projects across the state. Key allocations include $2 million for Pascagoula City Hall upgrades, $1.8 million for George County's Basin-Barton Multipurpose Facility, $1.5 million for Itawamba County Courthouse repairs, and funds for fire stations, road improvements, and community centers in multiple counties. This bill directly affects local governments, schools, and community organizations by altering how existing state funds are distributed for physical infrastructure and public services. (Note: The bill title references the Town of Terry, but the revised fund allocation does not include Terry in the listed projects.)
HB 1314 raises the threshold for requiring competitive bidding on state purchases from $5,000 to $10,000, allowing agencies to buy items under that amount without formal bidding. It revises rules for reverse auctions, requiring agency or governing authority leaders to get board approval - and provide written justification - if they skip this method. The bill also adds exemptions for Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol vehicle purchases, county group contracts, and federal-compliant procurement. These changes apply directly to state agencies, counties, and local governing authorities managing public spending.
HB 1085 creates a program to reimburse Mississippi National Guard members for costs of Tricare Reserve Select health coverage and Tricare Dental premiums. It directly affects Guard members who pay these premiums themselves and do not have health/dental coverage through a civilian employer. The Mississippi Military Department will administer the program, using funds approved annually by the legislature, and must report yearly on participation and program effectiveness to the legislature. The bill ensures state reimbursement only covers premiums not already covered by federal sources.
HB 1361 requires Mississippi hunters of white-tailed deer to use an electronic game check system (via app, website, or digital tools) to report harvests. This mandatory program, to be developed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, collects detailed harvest data to inform wildlife conservation policies. Hunters who fail to comply face fines starting at $100 for a first offense, increasing to $500-$1,000 for repeat violations. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and mandates annual reports to legislative committees on program implementation.
HB 1296, known as "Maeghan's Law," requires Mississippi's State Department of Health to create educational materials about amniotic fluid embolism (a rare, serious obstetric emergency where amniotic fluid enters the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular collapse and other complications) for healthcare providers, patients, and the public. The bill mandates that the Health Department develop these materials and post them on its website, focusing on recognizing signs, symptoms, and management of the condition. This law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and directly affects healthcare systems, pregnant individuals, and their families by improving awareness of a critical but uncommon medical risk.
HB 1295 revises Mississippi's juror qualifications by requiring prospective jurors to demonstrate basic literacy. The bill mandates that jurors complete a written form with personal details (name, address, occupation, etc.) before serving, which the judge must personally review to confirm they can read and write. Those unable to complete the form will be disqualified and removed from the jury pool until they qualify. This change directly affects individuals summoned for jury duty in Mississippi courts, starting July 1, 2026.
HB 1084 increases the authorized military leave period for Mississippi state and local government employees who are members of reserve military units. It amends existing law to allow more than 30 days of paid leave for training, without loss of pay, annual leave, or job status. The bill requires employers to reinstate employees to their previous positions upon return from training, with protections against termination without cause for one year. This affects all officers and employees of state departments, counties, municipalities, or political subdivisions who serve in reserve components.
HB 1392 creates a new Fire Grant Fund to help Mississippi counties and municipalities purchase fire trucks, equipment, and implement fire safety programs. It requires the State Fire Marshal and Mississippi State Rating Bureau to adopt Insurance Services Office (ISO) standards for fire trucks, preventing mandatory retirement based solely on calendar age if trucks have proper maintenance and pass safety inspections. Existing funds from rural fire truck programs (Rural Fire Truck Fund, Supplementary Rural Fire Truck Fund, and Annual Fire Fund) will be transferred into the new grant fund, which will be managed by the Department of Finance and Administration. Grants will be awarded using a points system that prioritizes communities with current fire safety plans and prior grant applications, with up to 90% funding for first-time applicants.
HB 389 requires Mississippi schools to accept a parent's or guardian's current Mississippi automobile registration as proof of residency when enrolling students whose families are on active military duty. It specifically applies to military-connected students whose parents are stationed at or transferring to a military installation in Mississippi. If a parent does not own a vehicle, they must submit a signed affidavit affirming the student's residence at the enrolled school district's address. Schools may also request additional documents like utility bills or lease agreements for verification. The bill does not change enrollment rules for non-military students.
HB 1383 requires Mississippi counties and taxing units to send property owners a notice by July 15 each year. The notice must show last year's property tax amount (before exemptions), last year's tax rate, next year's projected tax amount (if the rate stays the same), and the difference between the two. This directly affects homeowners and business property owners who pay ad valorem taxes, providing clearer transparency about tax changes before they take effect. The bill does not change tax rates but mandates specific information to help taxpayers understand potential cost differences.
HB 1460 amends an existing appropriation to allow Prentiss County to redirect $450,000 originally designated for bridge replacement and road repairs on County Roads 1471, 1475, and 1481 in Supervisors District 5 to another road project. The bill modifies Section 28 of Chapter 549, Laws of 2023 (as amended), which previously specified these exact road improvements. This is a technical adjustment to fund allocation, not a new program or policy change. The bill does not alter the funding amount or affect other allocations listed in the same section.
HB 1510 restates the existing staffing allowance for the Seventh Circuit Court District public defender's office, confirming they may appoint three full-time assistant public defenders. This applies to both the Seventh Circuit Court District and the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) Inferior Court. The bill maintains the current staffing level (not increasing it, as the title suggests) and specifies that assistants' compensation must match existing rates, subject to available legislative funding. It directly affects the Seventh Circuit public defender's office and its staff in those jurisdictions. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
