Technology

HB 960 extends the requirement that health insurance plans and employer health benefit plans in Mississippi cover telemedicine services (like virtual doctor visits) at the same level as in-person care, keeping this policy in effect beyond July 1, 2028. The bill ensures patients pay no more for telemedicine than for in-person visits (same deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance) and requires out-of-network telemedicine providers to be reimbursed at the same rate as out-of-network in-person providers. It also specifies billing procedures for telemedicine services using correct medical codes and clarifies that the requirement does not change medical care standards for telemedicine.

HB 993 allows mortgage lenders and brokers in Mississippi to permit loan originators to process mortgage applications remotely (e.g., from home or other off-site locations) under specific security and supervision rules. The bill requires licensees to implement digital safeguards - including secure system access via encrypted networks, regular security audits, and protocols to protect customer data - to ensure compliance with privacy laws like the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. It directly affects mortgage brokers, lenders, and their originators by expanding where they can legally conduct business while mandating strict data security measures. The bill also updates definitions (like "remote location" and "branch") in Mississippi’s mortgage licensing law but does not change core licensing requirements beyond these remote-work provisions.

HB 1621 removes a restriction preventing Mississippi school districts from using Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant funds to purchase equipment for programs leading to industry certifications. It also eliminates a prohibition on using these grants to replace regular operating funds for CTE programs. The bill expands how CTE grant money can be used - specifically for equipment, exam fees, and teacher training - to support programs earning "qualifying industry certifications" (those tied to high-demand jobs or meeting wage standards). This directly affects Mississippi public schools and students enrolled in CTE programs seeking industry credentials. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and did not become law.