Week of February 2, 2026

The fifth week of the 2026 Regular Session has concluded. February 3 marked the deadline for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments. February 12 is the deadline for original floor action on these measures, and February 13 is the deadline for their reconsideration and passage.

During the week, the House considered and passed several significant pieces of legislation, including:

House Bill 430, “Certificate of Need,” Revises the state’s Health Care Certificate of Need law by removing end-stage renal disease facilities from CON requirements, allowing these facilities to be established or expanded without going through the Certificate of Need approval process.

House Bill 571, “Foreign National Contributions,” Prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures in connection with any state or local ballot measure and bars the solicitation or acceptance of such contributions.

House Bill 737, “Medicaid Provider Repayment Plans,” Requires the Division of Medicaid to allow providers to repay incorrect Medicaid payments through an installment plan for non-fraudulent overpayments that would cause financial hardship if repaid immediately, with full repayment required no earlier than twelve months from the start of the plan.

House Bill 788, “Affidavit Ballots,” Provides that an eligible voter’s affidavit ballot may be used as voter registration, allows a valid affidavit ballot to serve as a written request to transfer voting precincts or wards, and return inactive voters to active status upon casting an affidavit ballot.

House Bill 895, “Medical Cannabis,” Extends certification and registry card validity periods, removes the mandatory six-month follow-up visit, allows equal purchase limits for nonresident cardholders, and removes THC potency limits for certain cannabis products.

House Bill 908, “Absentee ballots,” Requires absentee ballots for federal elections to be received by the day before the election if federal law preempts state absentee voting rules.

House Bill 925, “CLEAR Act,” Establishes the Creating Logic for Efficiency and Accountability Reform (CLEAR) Act, authorizing the PEER Committee to review newly adopted state agency rules, evaluate health regulatory boards, conduct Medicaid program assessments, and oversee compliance with subpoenas to improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency in state government operations.

House Bill 999, “Mississippi Parkinson’s Disease Research Registry,” Establishes a state registry under the Department of Health to track Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, collect data from healthcare providers, allow patient opt-out, ensure confidentiality, and provide researchers and the public with information to support research and awareness.

House Bill 1034, “Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act” or “Ryan’s Law,” Allows terminally ill patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities to safely use medical cannabis, with secure storage and administration handled by the patient or their caregiver, while prohibiting smoking or vaping.

House Bill 1072, “Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act,” Allows hiring parties to voluntarily contribute to independent contractors’ portable benefit accounts, with tax deductions for contributions and exclusion from the contractor’s taxable income.

House Bill 1126, “Teacher Salary Increase,” Increases the teacher salary scale by $5,000 and maintains the assistant teacher program. Includes performance-based pay, mentor teacher supplements, and additional pay for nationally certified teachers, nurses, counselors, and speech-language pathologists.

House Bill 1294, “Child Grooming and Sexual Battery Amendment Act,” Strengthens laws against child grooming and sexual battery, clarifying definitions, including electronic device use, and increasing penalties, especially for offenders in positions of trust.

House Bill 1404, “Fraudulent Utility Conversion,” Creates the crime of fraudulent utility conversion when a landlord fails to pay utilities after collecting payment from a tenant, establishes penalties based on the amount involved, and requires landlords to reimburse tenants for unpaid utilities.

House Bill 1581, “Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act,” Legalizes online sports pool and race book betting in Mississippi, establishes licensing requirements for platforms and gaming establishments, sets rules for age verification and geofencing, and allows the Gaming Commission to collaborate with DHS to withhold winnings for unpaid child support.

House Bill 1665, “Pharmacy Benefit Management and State Employee Health Plan Reform,” Updates and amends provisions related to the State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan, including administration, strategic planning, benefits, retiree coverage, and the Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act, while ensuring transparency, advisory council input, and compliance with current health care practices.

House Resolution 25 - Gulfport High School Football Team; commended on winning the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship.

The Capitol welcomed students, educators, and community groups this week, including Mississippi Academy of Physicians, Prentiss Christian School, St. Francis Xavier Academy, Leadership Greater Jackson, Leadership Jones County, Petal Mayor’s Youth Council, Mississippi Early Learning Alliance, North Pike Junior High Student Council, Southeast Lauderdale Gifted Education, St. Andrews Episcopal School, Coffeeville High School, St. Augustine School, and Girl Scout Troop 4775.