SB 2691 raises Mississippi's minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. It prohibits retailers from selling tobacco to anyone under 21, requiring them to check government-issued ID before each sale and imposing fines for violations (starting at $50 for first offenses). The law also mandates clear point-of-sale warning signs stating "STATE LAW PROHIBITS SALE TO PERSONS UNDER 21" and bans tobacco sales via vending machines unless access is restricted to those 21+ or accompanied by an adult. This law directly affects retailers who sell tobacco and minors attempting to purchase it, taking effect after Governor approval on March 12, 2025.
SB 2424 creates a task force to study ways to grow Mississippi's entertainment industry and increase related revenue. The task force, composed of tourism officials, industry representatives, and appointed legislators, will examine current state policies and data to develop recommendations for legislative changes by December 1, 2025. It requires state agencies to provide data and resources to support the task force's work. The bill does not change existing laws but mandates a formal study to inform future policy and funding decisions affecting the creative economy. The task force is now active following the bill's enactment on March 12, 2025.
SB 2525 creates a new Joint Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to regulate these professions in Mississippi. It clarifies that nonvocational schools - those offering personal improvement, cultural, or non-income-generating courses - do not need to register with the Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration. The bill amends existing exemptions in state law to explicitly include the new Joint Board under the regulatory framework and strengthen the exemption for nonvocational institutions. This directly affects cosmetology/barbering schools, nonvocational educational programs, and the regulatory Commission.
HB 1295 revises Mississippi's definition of "agritourism activity" to include public viewing of farming, ranching, or cultural/historical attractions on commercial agricultural properties. It requires agritourism professionals (like farms offering public tours) to post a specific warning sign at entrances - using black letters at least 1 inch tall - stating participants assume risks inherent to farm activities, such as land conditions, equipment, animals, or participant negligence. Failure to post this sign means professionals lose liability protection for injuries caused by these inherent risks. The bill directly affects farm operators hosting public agritourism activities and visitors participating in them.
HB 1191 updates Mississippi's rules for excavating near underground and submerged utility lines. It directly affects construction crews (excavators) and utility companies (operators) by requiring more precise location markings (within 18 inches for ground lines, 15 feet for submerged lines), setting different response timeframes for operators based on excavation type, and mandating contact information for emergency digs. The bill also creates a new process for large projects to hold preconstruction meetings with utility operators to agree on timelines. These changes aim to reduce damage to utility infrastructure during digging operations.
SB 2311 creates new criminal offenses related to mail theft, counterfeit credit cards, and stolen financial instruments in Mississippi. It makes it illegal to steal mail, tamper with mail receptacles, possess stolen checks or sight orders, or traffic in counterfeit credit cards (including chip-enabled cards), with penalties including up to 5 years in prison or $5,000 fines for first offenses and increased penalties for repeat violations. The bill also mandates that convicted individuals pay full restitution to victims of these crimes. This law directly affects individuals committing these frauds and provides enhanced protections for victims of mail and payment card theft.
SB 2657 allows Mississippi county boards of supervisors to, at their discretion, pay election commissioners an extra $35 per day for work performed on election day. This amendment to existing law adds a voluntary $35 daily payment on top of the standard $110 per day election commissioner pay rate. The bill directly affects election commissioners in all Mississippi counties, giving local boards flexibility to provide additional compensation. It does not require counties to offer this pay increase, making it a discretionary funding option for election day work. The policy change modifies Section 23-15-153 of the Mississippi Code to include this optional payment provision.
SB 2315 updates Mississippi's bail bond procedures to better protect bail bond companies (sureties) when defendants miss court appearances. It requires courts to notify sureties within 10 working days of a defendant's non-appearance, or the bond can be set aside; if notice is delayed, clerks must accept set-aside orders. The bill extends the time sureties have (30 days) to submit proof of defendant surrender or bond payment before their license can be revoked. These changes directly affect bail bond companies, courts, and defendants who fail to appear in criminal cases.
SB 2857 increases the maximum grant amount that the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) can award to small municipalities (populations ≤10,000) and limited population counties (populations ≤30,000) from the Small Municipalities and Limited Population Counties Fund. The bill amends Section 57-1-18 to raise the current $1 million per grant cap, though the exact new amount is not specified in the text. This change directly affects qualifying local governments seeking funding for infrastructure projects like roads, utilities, or property improvements. The MDA will administer the program, requiring applications detailing project costs and needs, with annual reports to state leadership. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, following gubernatorial approval in March 2025.
SB 2052 allows Mississippi disabled veterans with a 100% permanent or 70%+ nonpermanent service-connected disability rating to have license tags labeled "100% Disabled Veteran" or "Disabled Veteran." This directly affects eligible veterans who currently qualify for discounted license tags under existing law (costing $1 annually). The bill adds a specific labeling requirement for these tags, replacing the previous standard tag design, and mandates that tags display the branch of service emblem starting July 2025. It does not change eligibility criteria, costs, or tax exemptions - only the visual designation on the tag.
HB 624 increases salary flexibility for criminal investigators employed by Mississippi district attorneys. It allows district attorneys to provide supplemental pay to investigators holding law degrees, up to the maximum salary level for legal assistants (currently $75,000 annually plus supplements), without raising the base salary cap. This directly affects criminal investigators in district attorney offices across Mississippi, particularly those with law degrees who may receive higher compensation. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change appointment limits or other existing provisions for investigators.
SB 2766 clarifies that a certificate attached to an adoption petition in Mississippi may be signed by any physician licensed under Chapter 25, Title 73 of Mississippi law. This change directly affects adoption proceedings by removing ambiguity about which physicians can legally complete this required certification. The bill modifies Section 93-17-3 of the Mississippi Code to explicitly allow any licensed physician (not just those under a specific license category) to execute the certificate. It does not alter adoption requirements or eligibility but streamlines the process for prospective adoptive parents and adoption agencies. The bill was enacted after passing the legislature and receiving the governor's approval in March 2025.
