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.
This bill requires Mississippi public schools to incorporate financial literacy into the curriculum for grades 6-8 starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It also mandates that all high school students pass either a half-credit personal finance course or a full-credit course where at least half focuses on financial literacy to graduate, beginning with the 2032 graduating class. The law directly affects all Mississippi public schools (including charter schools) and students in grades 6-12. It amends existing education law to formalize these requirements, focusing on practical financial skills like budgeting and credit management.
SB 2623 creates the Mississippi Office of Apprenticeship under the Department of Employment Security and establishes a State Apprenticeship Council. The Office will implement apprenticeship programs, define terms like "apprentice" and "apprenticeship agreement," and promulgate necessary rules. The Apprenticeship Council, composed of specified members, provides advisory guidance to the Office on program operations but cannot replace it as the state's registration agency. This bill sets up the administrative framework for Mississippi's apprenticeship system without creating new financial benefits or direct program requirements for employers or workers.
SB 2071 allows Mississippi school boards to vote on providing health insurance for their members and eligible dependents, using only local funds (not state funds). This directly affects all school board members across the state, giving them the authority to approve this benefit through a local funding decision. The bill amends existing law to explicitly permit this use of local school district funds for board member health coverage, with no requirement for state funding or additional state oversight. It does not create new mandates or change existing insurance rules for school employees.
SB 2292 requires all Mississippi public and charter schools to teach civics courses starting in 8th grade and before 12th grade, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. The bill mandates instruction on U.S. and Mississippi constitutions, government structures (including federalism and separation of powers), historical context, critical thinking skills, and civil discourse. The State Department of Education will develop and update curriculum standards to align with current civics scholarship, renaming existing U.S. Government courses to "United States Government and Civics." This policy directly affects all K-12 students and school staff in Mississippi's public and charter schools.
HB 1523 creates a grant program to help Mississippi farmers purchase new tractors, parts, maintenance/repair labor, and farm implements (taxed at 1.5% sales tax). The Department of Finance and Administration will administer the program using funds from a portion of sales tax revenue on eligible farm equipment. Farmers can apply for grants up to $50,000 annually but cannot receive grants in consecutive years. Applicants must provide proof of farming status (e.g., federal Schedule F) and details about their equipment needs.
HB 430 requires Mississippi health insurers and group health plans to cover genetic testing for inherited cancer mutations (for people with personal or family cancer history) and evidence-based cancer imaging (for those at increased risk, per NCCN guidelines), with no out-of-pocket costs. It directly affects individuals at higher cancer risk who would otherwise face deductibles or copays for these preventive services. The bill mandates coverage for services recommended by healthcare providers and aligns with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical guidelines. It also updates state employee health plan requirements under Section 25-15-9 of Mississippi law.
HB 1170 updates Mississippi's fire insurance rating system to directly affect municipalities, fire departments (including volunteer and rural units), and insurers. It requires the rating bureau to evaluate fire trucks based on condition and maintenance (not age), consider all water sources (like ponds/lakes) when grading fire departments (with a minimum 250 gpm standard), and use a 7.5-mile response distance from fire stations. The bill also mandates new rules for selling fire trucks, requiring local entities to have first priority before out-of-state sales, and prohibits insurers from raising rates above the bureau’s base rates. These changes aim to standardize fire risk assessments and ensure fairer insurance pricing for communities.
HB 724 requires Mississippi insurance agents aged 65 or older with 25 or more continuous years of licensing to submit a one-time sworn statement verifying their qualifications for exemption from continuing education requirements. Once submitted, these agents will not need to resubmit the statement for future license renewals if they maintain uninterrupted licensing. The bill mandates the Insurance Commissioner to maintain a database of all agents who have submitted qualifying statements. This change simplifies renewal processes for qualifying senior agents while maintaining oversight of exemptions.
