AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-9-79, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE AN ALLOCATION OF FUNDS UNDER THE MISSISSIPPI STUDENT FUNDING FORMULA FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYING ELEMENTARY PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELORS; TO REQUIRE THE FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED TO THOSE SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVING THE HIGHEST DOCUMENTED NEED FOR COUNSELORS; TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IN EACH SUBSEQUENT FISCAL YEAR UNTIL EACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HAS EMPLOYED AT LEAST ONE PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO EMPLOY A SUPERVISOR OF PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELORS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-151-209, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-15-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW ANY STUDENT WHO REACHES THE AGE OF SIX ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31 TO ENROLL IN FIRST GRADE AT THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR DURING WHICH THE CHILD ATTAINS THE AGE OF SIX; TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-91, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCLUDE STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED AT THE START OF A SCHOOL YEAR DURING WHICH THEY ATTAIN THE AGE OF SIX ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31 IN THE DEFINITION OF "COMPULSORY-SCHOOL-AGE CHILD"; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-11-54, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP THE CURRICULUM AND IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PEER MEDIATION TO BE USED BY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPED FOR USE SHALL BE AGE AND GRADE APPROPRIATE; TO REQUIRE PROGRAMS OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PEER MEDIATION IN FAILING DISTRICTS TO BE SUPERVISED BY THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF OTHER DISTRICT PERSONNEL TO COMBAT VIOLENCE AND BULLYING; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROGRAM OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION SHALL PROVIDE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS WITH ALTERNATIVES TO HANDLING STUDENT DISCIPLINARY MATTERS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-11-53, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ALLOW ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT WHO HAS NEVER BEEN SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION WHO COMMITS AN ACT OR ENGAGES IN CONDUCT FOR WHICH THE STUDENT OTHERWISE WOULD BE SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED UNDER THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S DISCIPLINE PLAN, AT THE ELECTION OF THE STUDENT, TO PARTICIPATE IN A COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION; TO PROVIDE THAT WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM, THE STUDENT SHALL RECEIVE YOUTH PEER COUNSELING DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-3-82 AND 37-3-83, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 37-7-321, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO ESTABLISH SUMMER YOUTH WORK PROGRAMS TO FACILITATE THE EMPLOYMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH IN COMMUNITY JOBS; TO PRESCRIBE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT THROUGH A SUMMER YOUTH WORK PROGRAM; TO AUTHORIZE COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO ACCEPT ANY AVAILABLE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE FUNDING TO COVER THE PROGRAM'S ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS AND STUDENT EMPLOYEE WAGES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 27-65-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALES TAX RATE ON SALES OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, ARCHERY EQUIPMENT, MOTORCYCLES, ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND JET SKIS; TO AMEND SECTION 27-65-25, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALES TAX RATE ON RETAIL SALES OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; TO AMEND SECTION 27-65-75, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE SALES REVENUE COLLECTED FROM SUCH INCREASES TO SALES TAX RATES UNDER SECTIONS 27-65-17 AND 27-65-25 SHALL BE DEPOSITED, WITHOUT DIVERSION, INTO A SPECIAL FUND CREATED IN THE STATE TREASURY AS THE "MISSISSIPPI HOSPITALS UNCOMPENSATED CARE ASSISTANCE FUND"; TO AMEND SECTION 27-69-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "TOBACCO" UNDER THE TOBACCO TAX LAW; TO DEFINE THE TERM "VAPOR PRODUCT" UNDER THE TOBACCO TAX LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 27-69-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE EXCISE TAXES LEVIED ON CIGARETTES AND OTHER TOBACCO; TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-69-15, 27-69-27, 27-69-33 AND 27-69-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; TO AMEND SECTION 27-69-75, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT TOBACCO TAXES COLLECTED FROM THE INCREASES TO TOBACCO TAX RATES UNDER THIS ACT SHALL BE DEPOSITED INTO THE "MISSISSIPPI HOSPITALS UNCOMPENSATED CARE ASSISTANCE FUND"; TO CREATE THE "MISSISSIPPI HOSPITALS UNCOMPENSATED CARE ASSISTANCE FUND" AS A SPECIAL FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; TO PROVIDE THAT MONIES IN THE FUND SHALL BE USED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO HOSPITALS FOR THE COST OF UNCOMPENSATED MEDICAL CARE SERVICES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO REQUIRE A COMPREHENSIVE COURSE IN MISSISSIPPI HISTORY AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO BE TAUGHT TO ALL STUDENTS IN GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 IN ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE OR PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS AND HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS; TO REQUIRE THE DISCONTINUATION OF THE END-OF-COURSE SUBJECT AREA TEST IN UNITED STATES HISTORY; TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-16-7, 37-3-49, 37-15-38, 37-16-17 AND 37-35-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD OR AN APPLICABLE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARD SHALL ACCEPT MILITARY EDUCATION, TRAINING AND SERVICE AS QUALIFIED CREDENTIALS OTHERWISE REQUIRED OF AN APPLICANT FOR A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE; TO DEFINE TERMS USED IN THIS ACT; TO SPECIFY THE PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS TO WHICH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT APPLY; TO REQUIRE EVIDENCE OF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE EDUCATION, TRAINING OR SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED STATES RESERVES, THE NATIONAL GUARD OF ANY STATE, THE MILITARY RESERVES OF ANY STATE OR THE NAVAL MILITIA OF ANY STATE TO QUALIFY FOR SUCH BENEFIT; TO PRESCRIBE THE PROCESS BY WHICH ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS SHALL ADHERE TO IN APPLYING FOR A TEMPORARY PRACTICE PERMIT, LICENSE OF CERTIFICATION; TO REQUIRE THE STATE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD OR APPLICABLE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARD TO EXPEDITE THE PROCEDURE FOR ISSUANCE OF A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE FOR APPLICANTS WHO ARE ON ACTIVE DUTY; TO AMEND SECTION 37-101-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND THE MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD TO REQUIRE THE POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS UNDER THEIR GOVERNANCE TO IMPLEMENT A POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF ACADEMIC CREDITS RECEIVED BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES UPON PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE OF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF RELEVANT MILITARY EDUCATION, TRAINING OR SERVICE; TO AMEND SECTION 37-153-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE STATE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND THE MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF ACADEMIC CREDITS RECEIVED BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES UPON PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE OF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF RELEVANT MILITARY EDUCATION, TRAINING OR SERVICE; TO AMEND SECTION 73-50-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-13-117, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASED RATE OF MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL SERVICES FOR HOSPITALS THAT ARE LOCATED IN A COUNTY THAT HAD AN AVERAGE MONTHLY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF EIGHT PERCENT OR HIGHER FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS OF THE PREVIOUS STATE FISCAL YEAR AND HAS A CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF PHYSICIANS AND NURSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE EARLY COMMITMENT TO COLLEGE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE A SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH AN "F" ACCOUNTABILITY RATING, AS DEFINED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO BE DESIGNATED AS A COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY ZONE; TO REQUIRE THE SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SIXTH THROUGH NINTH GRADES AN OPPORTUNITY TO SIGN A "SAVE ME A SPOT IN COLLEGE" PLEDGE; TO AUTHORIZE SCHOOLS OR DISTRICTS NOT HAVING THE COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY ZONE DESIGNATION TO ALLOW CERTAIN STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM; TO PRESCRIBE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WITH RESPECT TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM; TO AUTHORIZE A FEE WAIVER FOR STUDENTS COMPLETING THE PROGRAM TO ATTEND A PUBLIC COMMUNITY OR JUNIOR COLLEGE OR STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE; TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES TO COLLABORATE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES IN COORDINATION WITH LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPEAL OF THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT ON JULY 1, 2035; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE LEGISLATIVE PUBLIC PROJECT GRANT PROGRAM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRITERIA FOR GRANTS; TO PROVIDE AN APPLICATION PROCESS; TO PROVIDE THAT GRANT FUNDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE COUNTY IN WHICH A PROJECT IS LOCATED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDING FOR ESTABLISHING AND SUPPORTING A GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION RESIDENCY PROGRAM AT THE DELTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IN GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027.

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO EMPLOY LICENSED SOCIAL WORKERS AND LICENSED PSYCHOLOGISTS TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO STUDENTS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS; TO PROVIDE THAT A SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT EMPLOYS AT LEAST ONE SOCIAL WORKER OR PSYCHOLOGIST FOR EVERY ONE THOUSAND STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOLS OF THE DISTRICT IS ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR FIFTY PERCENT OF THE COST OF THE SALARY OF EACH SOCIAL WORKER OR PSYCHOLOGIST FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE "MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM ACT OF 2026"; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDING OF THE PROGRAM, WHICH SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO PARENTS AND FAMILIES ON A VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION BASIS; TO PRESCRIBE THE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF EDUCATION REQUIRED TO BE OFFERED TO CHILDREN ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM; TO PRESCRIBE THE MANNER BY WHICH PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE TO PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS, WHETHER SUCH PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED THROUGH THE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE, AN OUTSIDE DISTRICT OR THROUGH A PREQUALIFIED PRIVATE PROVIDER; TO ESTABLISH THE MINIMUM STANDARDS REQUIRED FOR THE PREQUALIFICATION OF PRIVATE PROVIDERS; TO PRESCRIBE THE MANNER BY WHICH LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST ACCOUNT FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE; TO REQUIRE THE PROGRAM TO BE JOINTLY ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE DIVISION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT; TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION OF SCHOOL-BASED PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS; TO REQUIRE THE BOARD AND THE DIVISION TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS TO CALCULATE THE ANNUAL STATEWIDE TUITION RATE FOR PREKINDERGARTEN EDUCATION; TO PROVIDE FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES PROCESS FOR ENTITIES AGGRIEVED BY ACTIONS OF THE BOARD AND DIVISION; TO REQUIRE ANNUAL REPORTS ON THE PROGRAM AND ANY RECOMMENDATION FOR IMPROVEMENT OR DISCONTINUATION TO THE LEGISLATURE; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 37-21-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASE IN THE ANNUAL COMPENSATION OF STATE SERVICE EMPLOYEES BASED UPON THE AMOUNT OF THEIR GROSS ANNUAL SALARIES; TO DIRECT THE STATE PERSONNEL BOARD TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN STATE EMPLOYEES RECEIVE THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE SALARY INCREASE; TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE THE SALARY INCREASES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO REQUIRE DRUG TESTING OF PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GRADES SIX THROUGH TWELVE WHO HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED; TO DECLARE LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS RELATING TO STUDENT DRUG USAGE AND THE PURPOSES OF THIS ACT; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS USED UNDER THE ACT; TO REQUIRE EACH LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD TO ADOPT A POLICY REQUIRING DRUG TESTING STUDENTS IN GRADES SIX THROUGH TWELVE WHO ARE SUSPENDED FOR DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS AND TO PRESCRIBE CERTAIN COMPONENTS THAT MUST BE IN THE POLICY, INCLUDING A PROVISION REQUIRING A STUDENT'S PARENT TO PAY THE COST OF THE DRUG TEST; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN A STUDENT'S DRUG TEST IS POSITIVE; TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENT DRUG TESTS WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND TO PRESCRIBE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE TESTING MUST BE PERFORMED; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISCLOSURE OF POSITIVE TEST RESULTS AND TO REQUIRE INFORMATION RELATING TO A STUDENT'S DRUG TEST TO BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND SEPARATE FROM THE STUDENT'S CUMULATIVE FOLDER; TO AUTHORIZE A STUDENT TO PRESENT EVIDENCE OF THE PROPER USE OF A PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION AS AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE TO A POSITIVE DRUG TEST; TO AUTHORIZE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO OFFER IN-SCHOOL COUNSELING OR REFERRAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS TESTING POSITIVE FOR DRUGS; TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH AND DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, TO ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PREPARE A MODEL DRUG TESTING POLICY FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-15-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.