SB 2832 extends the expiration date for a Mississippi income tax credit that supports railroad infrastructure investments. It directly affects Class II and Class III railroads operating in Mississippi that make qualifying track reconstruction, replacement, or new infrastructure expenditures. The credit allows eligible railroads to claim up to 50% of qualifying costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track or $1 million per new customer project), with unused credits transferable to other taxpayers for up to five years. This bill modifies the existing credit program (Section 27-7-22.42) to prevent its automatic termination on January 1, 2029, extending the program's availability.
HB 1532, the "Mississippi Business Filing Fraud Prevention Act," establishes a process to address fraudulent business filings, directly affecting business entities (like corporations, partnerships, and LLCs) and individuals involved in filing records. It requires a "complainant" (a person connected to the business or filing) to submit a verified declaration to the Secretary of State's Office alleging unauthorized changes to business records or identity theft in filings. The Office then notifies the "filer" to respond within 30 days; failure to respond results in the filing being deemed fraudulent and a final order issued. If the filer responds, the Office reviews evidence, may request additional information, and issues a final determination on fraud.
SB 2634 amends Mississippi law to authorize payment for members of the Department of Marine Resources Enforcement Officers Reserve Unit during "Special Need Events" with critical personnel shortages. Previously, all reserve members served without pay; this bill creates a specific paid category for reserve officers meeting defined eligibility criteria (e.g., certification, training, or community standing). Payment amounts and event eligibility are determined by the Department director. The change applies only to designated special events, not regular reserve duties, and does not alter the reserve unit’s overall structure or volunteer status for routine operations.
SB 2269 extends the repeal date for a requirement that operators of fully autonomous vehicles must submit a law enforcement interaction plan to Mississippi's Department of Public Safety (DPS). The bill maintains the existing rule - requiring plans detailing communication protocols, vehicle removal procedures, mode recognition, and safety information - until July 1, 2029 (previously set to expire earlier). This directly affects companies or individuals operating fully driverless vehicles on Mississippi roads, ensuring the DPS can continue enforcing the plan-submission requirement. The change only extends the existing legal timeline; it does not alter the substance of the plan requirements or introduce new regulations.
HB 1723 defines "artificial intelligence" in Mississippi law as computer systems that make predictions, recommendations, or decisions affecting real or virtual environments, using inputs to perceive, model, and infer options. The bill establishes this definition for future legislative or regulatory use, without creating new rules or affecting specific groups. It will be codified in Mississippi Code Chapter 3, Title 1, effective July 1, 2026. This is a procedural definition bill with no direct policy changes or impacts on individuals or organizations.
HB 814 authorizes Mississippi's Department of Health to increase specific fees for three years (2026-2029), including food establishment permits, private water supply approvals, and wastewater installer certifications. The bill caps each annual fee increase at 33.3% and limits total increases to three times over the period. It directly affects restaurants, water suppliers, and wastewater system installers who pay these fees, while exempting public schools, foster homes, and small honey sellers. The changes align with existing fee structures outlined in Mississippi Code sections 41-3-18, 41-67-12, and 41-67-25.
HB 580 revises judicial district boundaries and judge assignments for Mississippi's Fourth and Seventh Circuit Courts. For the Fourth Circuit, it adds Holmes and Humphreys counties starting January 2031, reorganizing the district into two subdistricts (one covering Washington/Sunflower, the other Leflore/Holmes/Humphreys) and changing judge elections from one per subdistrict to two per subdistrict. For the Seventh Circuit, it expands the district to include Claiborne and Jefferson counties effective January 2027, adding new subdistricts and adjusting precinct boundaries within Hinds County. The bill takes effect at specific dates (2027 for the Seventh Circuit, 2031 for the Fourth) and includes conditional deadlines for judicial candidates. These changes directly affect counties and judicial candidates in these districts.
HB 515 amends Mississippi law to allow radiologist assistants to communicate a radiologist's preliminary or final imaging interpretation directly to other healthcare providers treating a patient. This change specifically permits assistants to share these interpretations (not their own observations) after the radiologist has reviewed the images. The bill directly affects radiologist assistants and the healthcare providers who receive these communications, streamlining information flow for patient care. It does not grant radiologist assistants diagnostic authority or allow them to interpret images independently, as they remain prohibited from making diagnoses or prescribing treatments under current law. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026.
This bill allows dental hygienists employed by the Mississippi State Board of Health or public school boards to perform oral hygiene instruction, screening, and fluoride applications (as part of education) under general supervision by a licensed dentist - without needing to meet standard practice requirements like 5 years of experience or CPR certification. It also permits hygienists making public dental hygiene demonstrations for educational purposes to operate under similar general supervision. These exemptions apply exclusively to educational activities, not regular patient care. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1403 designates February 13 as "Veterans with Combat Injuries Day" in Mississippi to honor veterans who were injured during combat service. The bill adds this day to the state's list of recognized observances, specifically acknowledging the service and sacrifice of veterans with combat-related injuries. It clarifies that this designation is for recognition and observation only and does not create a legal holiday. This procedural bill directly affects veterans with combat injuries by establishing a formal day of commemoration within Mississippi.
HB 653 designates November 9th as Gold Star Father's Day in Mississippi, honoring fathers who have lost a child or had a child permanently disabled while serving in the military. The bill adds this day to the state's list of recognized commemorative days (like Elvis Presley Day and Hernando de Soto Day), specifying it should be observed through recognition and commemoration but not as a legal holiday. It directly affects Gold Star Fathers by providing a formal day to acknowledge their sacrifice, though it does not create new benefits or change existing laws. The designation takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1270 designates the month of April as "Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month" in Mississippi. The bill directly affects all Mississippi residents by recognizing individuals living with limb loss or limb differences and promoting awareness of their experiences. It adds this designation to the state's list of recognized months (like Mississippi Musicians Month) but specifies it is for "recognition and observation only," not a legal holiday. The bill does not create new programs or funding, nor does it alter existing laws or policies. It serves solely as a symbolic acknowledgment to foster inclusion and support for this community.
