SB 2557 defines "nicotine-adjacent products" as items containing substances chemically similar to nicotine (like 6-methylnicotine or nicotinamide), or products marketed to avoid existing regulations. It prohibits selling these products or related components to anyone under 21, requiring in-person age verification with ID or third-party online checks. Retailers face escalating fines ($250-$1,000 per violation) for underage sales, with enhanced penalties for distribution within 1,500 feet of schools or educational properties. The bill directly affects retailers selling nicotine products and minors under 21, updating Mississippi’s regulatory framework to include these newly defined products under existing e-cigarette restrictions.
SB 2769 establishes the "Market-Ready Homes Revolving Loan Program" to provide short-term loans for homeowners to make essential repairs and upgrades to existing homes, primarily targeting "starter homes" (defined as homes where the owner's income is within 20% of 5.4x the local median income). The Mississippi Home Corporation administers the program, offering loans up to $30,000 (capped at 85% of a post-repair Broker Price Opinion) for repairs like roofing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, requiring contractor quotes and a six-month real estate listing. Loans have a six-month term with below-market interest rates and mandatory repayment, with extensions possible under specific closing or refinancing conditions. The program is funded through a one-time legislative appropriation into a revolving fund held in the state treasury, designed to help homeowners qualify for mortgages by improving their property's market value.
HB 788 modifies Mississippi's election rules to allow voters who are not registered in the jurisdiction they are voting in (but are otherwise eligible) to cast an affidavit ballot. This ballot will be used as their official voter registration, adding them to the statewide voter rolls as if they had completed a standard registration form. The bill also allows the affidavit ballot to serve as a written request to transfer voting precincts or wards, and automatically reactivates voters who were placed on inactive status (due to a confirmation notice) after they cast such a ballot. These changes aim to streamline voter registration and address common issues at polling places.
SB 2622, the "Mississippi One Door Website Act," requires the state’s Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) to create a single website allowing Mississippi residents and businesses to access all state agency services through one login. The website must enable data sharing between agencies (while protecting privacy), let users check eligibility for programs, avoid duplicate filings, and provide updates on relevant state laws. It also mandates business owners can file registrations and operating requirements online through this platform. The site must be fully operational by January 1, 2028, with ITS authorized to establish rules for its implementation.
HB 999 establishes the Mississippi Parkinson's Disease Research Registry within the State Department of Health to track the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease and related conditions (Parkinsonisms) across the state. It requires movement disorder centers and certified healthcare providers treating these conditions to submit patient data to the registry starting January 1, 2027, with patients able to opt out of data collection. The registry will collect epidemiological data while keeping all information confidential, and the Department must make anonymized data available to approved researchers. The bill also mandates public website updates, annual reports to health committees, and requires the State Health Officer to appoint an advisory committee with patient and medical expertise to guide the registry.
SB 2316 clarifies Mississippi law regarding devices that muffle firearm noise (commonly called silencers). It states that making, selling, or possessing such devices is unlawful in Mississippi *only* if those actions already violate federal law. The bill does not create new restrictions but ensures state penalties align with federal regulations. Violations would be punishable by a misdemeanor fine of up to $500 or 30 days in jail. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 2446, the HOPE Act, requires Mississippi nurses applying for or renewing licenses to complete one hour of human trafficking training with a trauma-informed curriculum by January 1, 2027. It mandates nurses to report suspected trafficking involving minors to Child Protection Services and suspected cases involving adults to law enforcement only when a victim is in imminent danger, after confirming consent, or as legally required. The bill directly affects all nurses licensed under the Mississippi Board of Nursing, aiming to improve identification and response to trafficking. It does not change existing sex offender registration requirements for human trafficking convictions, which are covered under a separate amendment in Section 4.
SB 2441 creates new limited medical licenses in Mississippi to address physician shortages. It allows the state board to issue licenses to graduates of foreign medical schools and U.S. medical school graduates who didn’t secure residency spots, with specific requirements. Foreign-trained physicians must work in rural or medically underserved areas with doctor shortages, while U.S. graduates must practice in counties under 50,000 residents under physician supervision. The bill extends the maximum license duration from five to eight years and sets clear qualifications for these temporary licenses.
HB 647 designates November 9 as Gold Star Father's Day in Mississippi, honoring fathers who lost children or had children permanently disabled in military service. The bill adds this day to Mississippi’s calendar of commemorative observances, similar to existing days like Elvis Presley Day. It does not create a legal holiday but establishes a day for recognition and remembrance of Gold Star Fathers’ sacrifices. The designation takes effect January 1, 2026, as part of the state’s official observances.
SB 2494 allows Mississippi Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) to engage in bulk purchasing for school districts they serve. It requires all RESA services to use competitive bidding and mandates a public request for proposals for purchases exceeding the highest threshold. This applies to school districts participating in RESAs, ensuring cost-effective procurement through transparent processes. The bill specifies that invite-only bids do not qualify as competitive, requiring public advertising of procurement opportunities.
SB 2766 designates the Friday before Memorial Day each year as "Buddy Poppy Day" in Mississippi to honor the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)’s official memorial flower, which commemorates fallen service members. The bill has no policy or funding provisions - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing the VFW’s tradition without creating new requirements or affecting any group. It takes effect immediately upon passage, as noted in its recent legislative actions.
This bill allows Mississippi courts to revoke probation, post-release supervision, or suspended sentences *before* they begin if a person commits a new felony crime *before* their supervision period starts. Currently, revocation typically requires violations after supervision has commenced. The law maintains the existing "clear and convincing evidence" standard for revocation but extends the timeframe to include new felonies committed prior to the start date of supervision. It directly affects individuals sentenced to probation or supervision who commit new crimes while awaiting their supervision period to begin. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, though its stated repeal date (June 30, 2026) appears contradictory.
