AN ACT TO PROVIDE ELECTRIC UTILITY CUSTOMERS WITH THE OPTION TO DECLINE INSTALLATION OF SMART METERS; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS RELATING TO SMART METERS AND SMART METER TECHNOLOGY; TO REQUIRE THAT SMART METER TECHNOLOGY PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO AND USE OF PRICE AND CONSUMPTION INFORMATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT FRAUD DETECTION TRUST FUND AS A SPECIAL FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY; TO AMEND SECTIONS 83-2-33 AND 83-5-72, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO RENAME THE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT FUND AS THE "INSURANCE DEPARTMENT FRAUD DETECTION TRUST FUND"; TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANIES, LIFE, HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANIES, AND HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS WHICH MAY BE DEPOSITED INTO THE SPECIAL FUND; TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT MONIES COLLECTED FROM THESE COMPANIES BE DEPOSITED INTO THE STATE GENERAL FUND AND THAT EXPENSES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE BE DEFRAYED BY STATE GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-53-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS FROM REQUIRING A WRITTEN JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION SPECIFIC TO THE STATE LAWS THAT REGULATE SOCIAL WORKERS FOR APPLICANTS FOR A LICENSE BY RECIPROCITY WHO ESTABLISH RESIDENCE IN THIS STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 73-50-2, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PRECEDING PROVISION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE A SEPARATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, INCLUDING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL, AND PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS; TO DEFINE ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE SYSTEM; TO PROVIDE FOR EMPLOYEE AND EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO FUND THE SYSTEM; TO ESTABLISH BENEFITS FOR DISABILITY AND SUPERANNUATION RETIREMENT AND ESTABLISH DEATH BENEFITS; TO ESTABLISH A COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) TIED TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR URBAN WAGE EARNERS AND CLERICAL WORKERS(CPI-W); TO ESTABLISH AN ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD TO ASSIST WITH THE OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-19-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE A $5,000 INCREASE TO THE TEACHER SALARY SCALE; TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL $3,000 ANNUAL SALARY SUPPLEMENT TO LICENSED SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS EMPLOYED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT ON A FULL-TIME BASIS TO PROVIDE SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTION; TO PROVIDE AN $6,000.00 ANNUAL SALARY SUPPLEMENT TO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST AND LICENSED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST EMPLOYED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, WHO HAVE RECEIVED NATIONAL CERTIFICATION FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE CERTIFYING ENTITY, AND SERVING IN THE CAPACITY FOR WHICH THE CERTIFICATION HAS BEEN ISSUED; TO ESTABLISH A CAP ON THE MAXIMUM SALARY A SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT MAY EARN WHICH IS DIRECTLY CORRELATED TO HIS OR HER YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, CREDENTIALS AND CLASSIFICATION OF LICENSURE ENDORSEMENT IN RELATION TO 250% OF THE SALARY OF TEACHER WITH EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS, INCLUDING THE DISTRICT LOCAL SUPPLEMENT PAY; TO AMEND SECTION 37-21-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE A $5,000 SALARY INCREASE FOR ASSISTANT TEACHERS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 25-11-103, 25-11-109, 25-11-111, 25-11-112, 25-11-114, 25-11-115, 25-11-117, 25-11-123 AND 25-11-147, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDERS WHO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM ON OR AFTER MARCH 1, 2026, SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A RETIREMENT ALLOWANCE AFTER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE REGARDLESS OF AGE; TO AMEND SECTION 25-11-126, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE CRITERIA AND SCALE OF COMPENSATION FOR ELIGIBLE RETIRED TEACHERS WHO RETURN TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION AS A CONTRIBUTIONS BUT NONBENEFIT ACCRUING MEMBER OF PERS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-151-203, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE BASE STUDENT COST; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 37-151-201, 37-151-203, 37-151-205, 37-151-207, 37-151-211, 37-151-213, 37-57-104, 37-57-105, 37-57-107, 37-61-33, 7-7-211, 19-9-157, 19-9-171, 27-39-317, 37-3-83, 37-15-38, 37-16-3, 37-17-6, 37-22-5, 37-28-55, 37-61-3, 37-61-5, 37-61-7, 37-61-35, 37-61-37, 37-151-81, 37-151-85, 37-151-95, 37-151-97, 41-79-5, 43-17-5, 27-104-351, 37-159-7, 37-23-31, 37-23-33, 37-23-35, 37-151-209, 37-151-215, 37-57-1, 27-65-75, 1-3-26, 25-4-29, 27-25-706, 27-33-3, 29-3-47, 29-3-49, 29-3-113, 29-3-137, 31-7-9, 31-7-10, 37-1-3, 37-3-11, 37-7-208, 37-7-301, 37-7-302, 37-7-303, 37-7-307, 37-7-319, 37-7-333, 37-7-419, 37-9-17, 37-9-23, 37-9-25, 37-9-33, 37-9-35, 37-9-37, 37-9-77, 37-11-11, 37-13-63, 37-13-64, 37-13-69, 37-23-1, 37-23-15, 37-23-69, 37-23-109, 37-23-179, 37-27-55, 37-27-57, 37-28-5, 37-28-53, 37-29-1, 37-29-272, 37-29-303, 37-31-13, 37-31-75, 37-35-3, 37-37-3, 37-41-7, 37-45-49, 37-47-9, 37-47-25, 37-47-33, 37-61-19, 37-61-29, 37-68-7, 37-131-7, 37-131-9, 37-131-11, 37-151-9, 37-151-87, 37-151-89, 37-151-91, 37-151-93, 37-151-99, 37-151-101, 37-151-103, 37-151-105, 37-151-107, 37-173-9, 37-173-13, 37-175-13, 37-179-3, 37-181-7 AND 65-26-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-13-80, 37-13-81, 37-13-83, 37-13-85, 37-13-87, 37-13-89, 37-13-91 AND 37-13-107, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE NAMES OF THE OFFICES OF DROPOUT PREVENTION AND COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE TO REFLECT NEW DESIGNATIONS AS THE OFFICE OF STUDENT SUCCESS AND GRADUATION AND THE OFFICE OF EDUCATIONAL PARTICIPATION, RESPECTIVELY; TO ASSIGN THE NEW TITLE TO INDIVIDUALS WHO SERVED IN THE ROLE OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICERS, TO NOW BEING REFERRED TO AS STUDENT SUCCESS AND GRADUATION COACHES, AND THEIR DISTRICT SUPERVISORS' TITLE BEING CHANGED TO STUDENT SUCCESS AND GRADUATION REGIONAL COORDINATORS; TO REVISE THE MINIMUM SALARY SCHEDULE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND GRADUATION COACHES BASED ON EDUCATION AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE; TO REVISE EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND GRADUATION COACHES; TO REVISE THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF STUDENT SUCCESS AND GRADUATION COACHES; TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-92, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT GIVE CONSENT TO A STUDENT BEING PLACED IN AN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PROGRAM WHEN REFERRED TO THE PROGRAM BY A DISPOSITIVE ORDER OF A CHANCELLOR OR YOUTH COURT JUDGE; TO ESTABLISH THE DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT AND TEACHER STABILIZATION SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM WITHIN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; TO PROVIDE PERFORMANCE-BASED AND NEED-BASED SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING TO CERTAIN UNDERPERFORMING SCHOOL DISTRICTS; TO PRESCRIBE DETAILED PROGRAM STRUCTURE, ADMINISTRATION, OVERSIGHT AND ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS; TO ESTABLISH CLEAR ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS, MEASURABLE BENCHMARKS AND PROPORTIONAL DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS; TO RESTRICT AND GOVERN THE USE OF FUNDS; TO REQUIRE TRANSPARENCY, REPORTING AND AUDIT CONTROLS; TO PROVIDE FOR A SUNSET AND LEGISLATIVE REVIEW; TO AMEND SECTION 37-9-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE TIME IN DECEMBER WHEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL PROCESS PAYROLL FOR ALL EMPLOYEES FROM THE LAST WORKING DAY TO A TIME CONSISTENT WITH OTHER MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING THE 45-DAY GAP BETWEEN TEACHER PAY PERIODS FROM THE DECEMBER PAY DATE TO JANUARY PAY DATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 1-1-59, 7-1-403, 7-7-3, 19-5-307, 23-15-165, 25-53-1, 25-53-3, 25-53-5, 25-53-7, 25-53-9, 25-53-11, 25-53-13, 25-53-15, 25-53-17, 25-53-19, 25-53-21, 25-53-23, 25-53-25, 25-53-29, 25-53-51, 25-53-53, 25-53-55, 25-53-57, 25-53-59, 25-53-101, 25-53-105, 25-53-107, 25-53-109, 25-53-111, 25-53-113, 25-53-115, 25-53-117, 25-53-119, 25-53-121, 25-53-123, 25-53-125, 25-53-151, 25-53-171, 25-53-191, 25-53-193, 25-53-201, 25-53-231, 25-53-233, 25-53-235, 25-53-237, 25-53-239, 25-53-241, 25-53-251, 25-53-253, 25-53-255, 25-53-257, 25-53-261, 25-53-263, 25-53-281, 25-53-301, 27-7-83, 27-65-81, 27-104-165, 27-115-49, 31-7-10, 31-7-13, 37-101-413, 37-154-1, 41-143-1, 43-1-28, 45-27-7, 49-37-7, 57-13-23, 63-9-31, 63-21-18, 73-34-8, 75-12-33 AND 89-5-109, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 25-53-259 AND 25-58-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE MINOR, NONSUBSTANTIVE CHANGES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-28-37, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CHANGE THE REPORT REQUIRED BY PEER ON ASSESSING THE SUFFICIENCY OF FUNDING AND RECOMMENDED STATUTORY CHANGES TO LAWS RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS FROM ANNUALLY TO BIENNIALLY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 75-29-951, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE CAP ON THE ANNUAL GROSS SALES OF COTTAGE FOODS TO $200,000.00; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-29-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE PENALTY FOR PROCURING PROSTITUTION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM THROUGH COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH; TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS IN LINE WITH EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS, PARTICULARLY THE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL THREAT ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES (CSTAG) AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL VIA THE MISSISSIPPI OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL BOARDS TO PROVIDE FOR THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS AT EACH SCHOOL; TO REQUIRE THE THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS OF CONCERN, ASSESSING RISKS, AND IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS; TO REQUIRE THE TEAMS BE A MULTIDISCIPLINARY COMPOSITION TO INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, LICENSED INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF, ADMINISTRATORS, SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS AND DESIGNATED SCHOOL SAFETY SPECIALISTS; TO PRESCRIBE PROCEDURES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, INCLUDING THE USE OF MOBILE CRISIS TEAMS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT CONSULTATION WHEN NEEDED; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FOR REPORTING THREATS AND DEFINING THE ROLE OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS IN HANDLING INCIDENTS; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT PARENTAL NOTIFICATION POLICIES THAT ALSO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT; TO PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF THREAT ASSESSMENT RECORDS; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP PROTOCOLS FOR DOCUMENTING THREAT ASSESSMENTS AND TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE REPORT; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-91, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PARTNER WITH THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND MISSISSIPPI OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO PROVIDE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT TRAINING; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-93, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 75-24-153, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "RENTAL-PURCHASE AGREEMENT" AND TO DEFINE ADDITIONAL TERMS USED UNDER THE MISSISSIPPI RENTAL-PURCHASE AGREEMENT ACT; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 75-24-193, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE A LESSOR TO FILE A RENTAL-PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE COUNTY LAND RECORDS; TO AUTHORIZE A CONSUMER WHO FAILS TO MAKE TIMELY PAYMENTS TO REINSTATE A RENTAL-PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY BY PAYING ALL AMOUNTS DUE WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS AFTER THE LAST PAYMENT WAS DUE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE "DEFEND DESOTO COUNTY ACT"; TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO IDENTIFY, FUND AND IMPROVE STRATEGIC ENTRY POINTS INTO DESOTO COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, IN ORDER TO ENHANCE TRAFFIC SAFETY AND SUPPORT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE "MISSISSIPPI TOURISM REORGANIZATION ACT"; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM; TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT, WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM; TO PRESCRIBE THE GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM OF GRANTS TO BE MATCHED BY TOURISM ENTITIES IN THE STATE; TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM TO SELL ADVERTISING AND OTHER TOURISM PROMOTIONAL INFORMATION AND TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM ADVERTISING FUND; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI TOURISM ASSOCIATION MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD TO ASSIST THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AND THE STATE PERSONNEL BOARD SHALL HAVE THE POWERS NECESSARY IN CARRYING OUT THE CREATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REQUIRED BY THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 27-65-75, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIVERT A PORTION OF SALES TAX REVENUE COLLECTED FROM RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM ADVERTISING FUND INSTEAD OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TOURISM FUND; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO TOURISM; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-60, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM OF GRANTS TO FINANCE, PROMOTE AND ADVERTISE LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-61, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS OF THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM DIVISION OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL BOARD TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-63, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE TRANSFER OF POWERS AND DUTIES OF STATE AGENCIES RELATING TO TOURISM TO THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-64, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO SELL ADVERTISING AND OTHER TOURISM INFORMATION AND CREATES THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TOURISM ADVERTISING FUND; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-64.1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH CREATES THE MISSISSIPPI TOURISM ASSOCIATION MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD TO ASSIST THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-60-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY TO EXPEND FUNDS FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT FUND TO SUPPORT ITS SERVICES TO COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES RELATED TO RECORDS MANAGEMENT, HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND MUSEUM SERVICES; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 39-5-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO PAY THE UNPAID BALANCE DUE TO THE TOWN OF WALNUT GROVE FOR CERTAIN UTILITY SERVICES RENDERED TO THE WALNUT GROVE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY; TO PROVIDE IF THE UNPAID BALANCE IS NOT PAID BY A CERTAIN PERIOD, THEN THE SALARY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS SHALL BE WITHHELD UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.