HB 571 prohibits foreign nationals from contributing money or making expenditures related to Mississippi state or local ballot measures. It directly affects non-U.S. citizens who might attempt to influence voter decisions on ballot initiatives. The bill defines "foreign national" according to U.S. law (excluding U.S. citizens and those lawfully admitted for permanent residence) and makes it unlawful for anyone to solicit, accept, or receive such contributions. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 1744 requires Mississippi's Department of Health and the Department of Corrections' healthcare provider to create two specific treatment programs: one for Hepatitis C and another for HIV care, exclusively for state inmates. It directly affects incarcerated individuals diagnosed with these conditions, ensuring they receive targeted medical treatment. The bill also mandates the development of a separate plan to improve health outcomes for female inmates. These provisions are concrete policy changes focused on expanding healthcare access within the state prison system, with no additional implementation details provided in the bill text.
SB 2613 creates a dedicated "PERS Tier 5 COLA Account" within Mississippi's public employee retirement system. It requires the State Treasurer to transfer $5 million annually from the State General Fund to this account on July 1 each year, beginning July 1, 2026, and continuing through July 1, 2035. The funds are designated for "additional annual benefit" payments specifically for Tier 5 retirees under the PERS system. This bill directly affects current and future Tier 5 public employee retirees by establishing a funding mechanism for their cost-of-living adjustments. The transfer schedule and account management are explicitly defined by the bill's provisions.
HB 1240 requires Mississippi circuit clerks to print a daily report at the close of business during in-person absentee voting, showing the total number of in-person absentee ballots cast that day using OMR equipment. This report must be made available to the public upon request. The bill directly affects local election offices (circuit clerks) and ensures transparency in absentee voting counts by mandating a public-facing daily tally. It does not change voting procedures but adds a reporting requirement for existing absentee voting operations.
SB 2659 creates a new "Lifetime Conservationist Legacy License" for Mississippi residents aged 65 or older. This license allows seniors who are already exempt from standard hunting and fishing license requirements (due to age) to pay a minimum $250 fee to support conservation efforts. The license serves as proof of their exemption while enabling them to contribute to the Mississippi Wildlife Endowment Fund. The bill specifically amends Sections 49-7-153 and 49-7-151 of the Mississippi Code to establish this new option.
HB 1736 requires the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) to study how common dyslexia is among inmates under its care. The MDOC must screen inmates using approved methods, collect anonymized demographic and educational data, and analyze links between dyslexia and factors like disciplinary history or recidivism. The study must comply with privacy laws (HIPAA/FERPA), allow inmates to opt out without penalty, and result in a 2026 report to the legislature with findings and recommendations for supporting inmates with dyslexia. This affects all inmates in Mississippi state prisons during the study period.
SB 2668, the "Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act of 2026" (PLUS Act), regulates paid assistance with veterans' benefit claims in Mississippi. It prohibits charging fees for such services unless the veteran signs a waiver acknowledging they’re within the one-year post-discharge period and choosing to deny free VA services. The bill requires written agreements with clear fee terms (capped at 5x monthly benefit increase or $12,500), bans upfront fees, mandates a specific disclosure about free VA services, and prohibits using veterans’ personal data without consent. It directly affects veterans seeking claim assistance and businesses/individuals offering paid services, while exempting VA-accredited representatives. Violations can result in civil penalties under Mississippi’s Unfair Trade Practices Act.
This bill requires the physician, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician assistant who primarily treated a patient before death to certify the cause of death and sign the death certificate, unless the death affects public health or safety (e.g., violence, infectious disease outbreaks). It directly affects healthcare providers who provided direct medical care to the decedent. The requirement applies to routine deaths not falling under public interest categories, which would still be handled by medical examiners. The bill amends existing Mississippi law to clarify this responsibility for treating providers.
SB 2099 requires all Mississippi public school districts, charter schools, and specific state schools (like the Mississippi School for the Arts) to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during class or under school supervision by January 1, 2027. Schools must submit these policies to the State Department of Education, with noncompliance resulting in daily funding deductions from their total funding formula. Exceptions permit cell phone use for emergencies, medical necessity (verified by a healthcare provider), or as required in a student’s special education plan. The bill also prohibits suspending or expelling students solely for violating this policy, allowing suspension only as a last resort.
This Mississippi bill allows county and municipal executive committees to enter into written agreements with circuit clerks or election commissions, permitting those officials to perform the executive committee's election duties. The agreement becomes mandatory if the executive committee chooses to delegate all responsibilities, provided the committee meets specific voter support thresholds based on recent gubernatorial election results. The bill also clarifies poll manager training requirements, allowing local officials to delegate training duties to clerks or commissions while maintaining standards for poll manager certification and compensation.
SB 2630 creates the "Mississippi Grant and Subgrant Administration Transparency and Accountability of Non-Governmental Organizations Act of 2026" to improve oversight of state and federal grant funds given to nonprofits and quasi-public entities. It requires these organizations to submit detailed annual financial reports showing fund usage, set measurable program goals, and disclose leadership backgrounds (including past violations or criminal history). The bill prohibits using grant funds for partisan political activities and mandates that agencies suspend payments for missed reporting deadlines or unmet performance metrics, with termination possible after 120 days. All reports must be filed within 180 days after the fiscal year ends, and failure to comply risks immediate grant termination and a three-year ban on future funding.
SB 2664 would amend Mississippi law to increase the age threshold for a reduced fee on lifetime sportsman hunting and fishing licenses from 13 to 18 years. This change means residents aged 13 through 17 would qualify for a $500 reduced fee (currently only available to those under 13), instead of paying the full $1,000 rate for adults. The bill does not alter other requirements, such as residency proof or age verification documentation. The policy change is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
