AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN ACT; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO SET FORTH LEGISLATIVE PURPOSE; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DEFINE TERMS USED IN THE ACT; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CREATE THE STATE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM (PROGRAM) IN THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (DEPARTMENT) IN THE DIVISION OF AGING AND ADULT SERVICES (DIVISION); TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO IDENTIFY THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM AND THE DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE STATE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN (STATE OMBUDSMAN); TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT THE STATE OMBUDSMAN TO DESIGNATE DISTRICTS TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES OF THE PROGRAM WITHIN LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND TO SET FORTH DUTIES OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PROGRAM; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE OMBUDSMAN AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PROGRAM ARE NOT MANDATORY REPORTERS EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND REQUIRE REPRESENTATIVES TO CERTIFY PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT AND ANNUALLY THAT HE OR SHE DOES NOT HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE STATE OMBUDSMAN, TO ADOPT RULES IMPLEMENTING STATE AND LOCAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY AND INVESTIGATE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME CERTAIN COMPLAINTS MADE BY OR ON BEHALF OF A RESIDENT; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PROGRAM TO CONDUCT PERIODIC ONSITE FACILITY VISITS; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE APPROPRIATE REMEDIAL ACTION AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TARGET DATES FOR SUCH ACTION IN RESPONSE TO CERTAIN COMPLAINTS; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-25, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DESIGNATE CERTAIN INFORMATION AS CONFIDENTIAL; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF THE STATE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR RECEIVING COMPLAINTS CONCERNING MATTERS ADVERSELY AFFECTING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, WELFARE OR RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS; TO PROVIDE INFORMATION RELATED TO THE PROGRAM TO EACH RESIDENT OR REPRESENTATIVE OF A RESIDENT UPON ADMISSION TO A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-31, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES TO PROVIDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PROGRAM WITH ACCESS TO CERTAIN RECORDS; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT INTERFERENCE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PROGRAM IN THE PERFORMANCE OF OFFICIAL DUTIES AND TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO MEET THE COSTS OF THE PROGRAM FROM APPROPRIATED FUNDS; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-37, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT THE PROGRAM TO MAINTAIN A STATEWIDE UNIFORM REPORTING SYSTEM TO COLLECT AND ANALYZE DATA RELATING TO COMPLAINTS AND CONDITIONS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES AND TO RESIDENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING AND RESOLVING COMPLAINTS AND TO ANNUALLY PUBLISH INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-8-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE OMBUDSMAN SHALL ENSURE THAT APPROPRIATE TRAINING IS PROVIDED TO ALL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PROGRAM; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 43-7-51 THROUGH 43-7-79, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH ARE THE PROVISIONS OF LAW THAT CONSTITUTE THE LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES OMBUDSMAN ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO REQUIRE MERCHANTS ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF SELLING GOODS AND/OR SERVICES IN THIS STATE TO CALCULATE THE PRICE OF GOODS AND/OR SERVICES SOLD, LESS DISCOUNTS OR DEDUCTIONS, AND SUBJECT TO ANY APPLICABLE TAXES, TO INDIVIDUALS PAYING WITH CASH BY ROUNDING SUCH TOTAL TO THE NEAREST FIVE-CENT DENOMINATION; TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS FOR TRANSACTIONS FOR WHICH THE TOTAL AMOUNT IS FEWER THAN 4¢ OR FOR TRANSACTIONS FOR WHICH PAYMENT IS MADE BY ANY DEMAND OR NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT, ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER, MONEY ORDER, CREDIT CARD, DEBIT CARD, ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OR OTHER LIKE INSTRUMENT; TO ENSURE THAT ANY TAXES IMPOSED ON THE PURCHASE SHALL NOT BE AFFECTED BY GAINS OR LOSSES RESULTING FROM ROUNDING TO THE NEAREST FIVE-CENT DENOMINATION; TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CODIFY SECTION 43-13-115.2, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT THE DIVISION OF MEDICAID TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO OBTAIN A WAIVER OF APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE MEDICAID LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE MEDICAID BENEFITS TO CHILDREN WHO ARE IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES DURING A PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY PERIOD; TO PROVIDE THAT DURING THE PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY PERIOD, THE MEDICAID BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WILL BE LIMITED TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES, AS APPLICABLE; TO PROVIDE FOR THE PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY PERIOD, QUALIFIED ENTITIES, NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, AND A REQUIREMENT TO APPLY FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ENACT THE ATHLETES AGENTS REFORM ACT; TO REQUIRE ATHLETE AGENTS TO MAKE CERTAIN DISCLOSURES TO STUDENT-ATHLETES BEFORE EXECUTING AN AGENCY CONTRACT OR ENDORSEMENT CONTRACT; TO CREATE THE STUDENT-ATHLETE PROTECTION FUND AS A SPECIAL FUND WITHIN THE TREASURY; TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO COMPENSATE CERTAIN STUDENT-ATHLETES; TO PROVIDE THAT A STUDENT- ATHLETE HAS A RIGHT OF ACTION AGAINST AN ATHLETE AGENT FOR DAMAGES CAUSED BY A VIOLATION OF THIS ACT; TO AUTHORIZE A COURT TO DIRECT COMPENSATION FROM THE STUDENT-ATHLETE PROTECTION FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "ATHLETE AGENT" TO INCLUDE ATTORNEYS, MARKETERS, OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS OF STUDENT-ATHLETES; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE FEES FOR REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL OF LICENSES UNDER THIS CHAPTER; TO PROVIDE THAT 33% OF THE FUNDS COLLECTED FOR LICENSE REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL BE DEPOSITED INTO THE STUDENT-ATHLETE PROTECTION FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT ATHLETE AGENTS FROM ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS THAT WOULD CREATE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE; TO PROHIBIT ATHLETE AGENTS FROM ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS THAT RESULT IN DUAL REPRESENTATION WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ACTING AS AN ATHLETE AGENT IN THIS STATE BEFORE BEING ISSUED A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION IS A FELONY; TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO PENALIZE ANY INDIVIDUAL ACTING AS AN ATHLETE AGENT IN THIS STATE BEFORE BEING ISSUED A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; TO AMEND SECTION 73–42–19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO DIRECT CODIFICATION OF CERTAIN SECTIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-42-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT AN AGENCY CONTRACT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN A STUDENT-ATHLETE AND AN ATHLETE AGENT FROM CONTAINING AN EXCLUSIVITY CLAUSE THAT EXTENDS BEYOND THE STUDENT-ATHLETE'S PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY; TO PROVIDE THAT AN AGENCY CONTRACT SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW BY THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION'S COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT BEFORE EXECUTION; TO CREATE A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION IN A CIRCUIT COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FOR A STUDENT-ATHLETE WHO IS COERCED, DEFRAUDED OR MISLED INTO ENTERING AN AGENCY CONTRACT; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 73-42-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 7-11-4, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEANING OF THE WORDS "BLIGHT" OR "BLIGHTED"; TO AMEND SECTION 7-11-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO DETERMINE WHETHER CERTAIN LANDS ARE BLIGHTED PROPERTY UPON PETITION OF A TAX SALE PURCHASER; TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO ASSESS A FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 15-1-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE PERIOD OF ADVERSE POSSESSION FOR LANDS DETERMINED TO BE BLIGHTED PROPERTY BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL BE ONE YEAR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 93-15-107, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE APPOINTMENT OF A GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR THE CHILD IN ALL TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS PROCEEDINGS UNLESS THE COURT FINDS, ON THE RECORD, THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF A GUARDIAN AD LITEM IS UNNECESSARY TO PROTECT THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS, THE ISSUES PRESENTED, AND THE ABSENCE OF CONTESTED FACTUAL MATTERS AFFECTING THE CHILD'S WELFARE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE "MISSISSIPPI FAIR HOUSING ACT"; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS AS USED IN THE ACT; TO MAKE LEGISLATIVE DECLARATION THAT THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN HOUSING AND OTHER REAL ESTATE WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION IS A CIVIL RIGHT; TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN CONDUCT IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS WITH EXCEPTION; TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN CONDUCT IN REAL ESTATE FINANCING WITH EXCEPTION; TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS; TO PROHIBIT RETALIATION; TO PROVIDE A CIVIL REMEDY FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ENACT THE MISSISSIPPI RURAL ATTORNEY PROGRAM ACT; TO DEFINE TERMS; TO ESTABLISH THE MISSISSIPPI RURAL ATTORNEYS PROGRAM WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI BAR FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING AND RECRUITING QUALIFIED ATTORNEYS TO PRACTICE LAW IN RURAL AND UNDERSERVED AREAS; TO ESTABLISH THE MISSISSIPPI RURAL ATTORNEYS COMMISSION WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI BAR; TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION SHALL BE DIRECTED BY A BOARD; TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPOSITION AND PROCEDURES OF THE BOARD; TO SET FORTH THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD; TO DIRECT THE COMMISSION, THROUGH THE USE OF GENERALLY APPLICABLE DEFINITIONS, TO DESIGNATE AREAS OF THE STATE AS RURAL AND UNDERSERVED; TO PROVIDE AN APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION INTO THE PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE FOR A MINIMUM NUMBER OF ADMISSIONS TO THE PROGRAM EACH YEAR; TO PROVIDE THAT A PARTICIPANT ADMITTED TO THE PROGRAM SHALL RECEIVE A STIPEND FROM THE COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ESTABLISHING A LAW FIRM IN A RURAL AND UNDERSERVED AREA OF MISSISSIPPI; TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN A PARTICIPANT PRACTICES LAW IN A RURAL AND UNDERSERVED AREA OF MISSISSIPPI FOR FIVE YEARS THE STIPEND SHALL BE FORGIVEN; TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ESTABLISH A PRACTICE SUPPORT SYSTEM AND MENTORSHIPS FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-15-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES TO PROVIDE PAYMENTS TO A QUALIFYING GRANDPARENT WHO HAS ASSUMED THE PRIMARY CARE OF HIS OR HER GRANDCHILD; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 93-5-24, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CREATE A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION IN FAVOR OF JOINT CUSTODY WITH EQUAL PARENTING TIME IN ALL CUSTODY MATTERS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRESUMPTION SHALL BE REBUTTABLE BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE; TO PROVIDE THAT A COURT SHALL CONSIDER THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF THE PARTIES AND CHILDREN; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRESUMPTION THAT JOINT CUSTODY AND EQUALLY SHARED PARENTING TIME IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD SHALL NOT APPLY IF A DOMESTIC ABUSE PROTECTION ORDER IS BEING OR HAS BEEN ENTERED AGAINST A PARTY BY ANOTHER PARTY OR ON BEHALF OF A CHILD AT ISSUE IN THE CUSTODY HEARING; TO REQUIRE A COURT TO DOCUMENT THE REASONS FROM DEVIATING FROM THE PRESUMPTION UNLESS BOTH PARENTS PETITION FOR A DEVIATION; TO CLARIFY THAT THIS SECTION SHALL APPLY TO ALL CUSTODY DETERMINATIONS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE CALCULATION OF CHILD SUPPORT WHERE THE COURT AWARDS JOINT CUSTODY WITH EQUALLY SHARED PARENTING TIME; TO AMEND SECTION 43-19-101, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO REQUIRE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURERS TO REQUIRE BLIGHTED REAL PROPERTY TO BE CLEANED UP BEFORE PAYING MORE THAN ONE-FOURTH OF THE DAMAGES OWED; TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT AND ADOPT ANY RULES OR REGULATIONS NECESSARY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 11-1-60, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE NONECONOMIC DAMAGES LIMITATION FOR ANY CIVIL ACTION OTHER THAN AN ACTION FOR AN INJURY BASED ON MALPRACTICE OR BREACH OF STANDARD OF CARE AGAINST A PROVIDER OF HEALTH CARE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 73-35-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR POSSIBLE REVISION OF PROVISIONS RELATED TO REAL ESTATE WHOLESALE AND INDUSTRIAL BUYING OF RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ENACT THE MISSISSIPPI SOCIAL MEDIA FRAUD ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 77-3-805, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON OR BUSINESS SHALL TAKE ANY ACTION WHICH ORIGINATES, FACILITATES THE TRANSMISSION OF, OR DELIVERS TO A RECIPIENT A CALL THAT FALSELY IDENTIFIES THE CALLER'S NAME OR TELEPHONE NUMBER WHEN THE EQUIPMENT OR SERVICE USED BY THE PERSON OR BUSINESS IS CAPABLE OF TRANSMITTING THE CALLER'S TRUE NAME OR TELEPHONE NUMBER; TO PROVIDE THAT IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL TO BLOCK, SPOOF, OR OTHERWISE CIRCUMVENT CALLER IDENTIFICATION SERVICES OR CALL SCREENING PRODUCTS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ELECTRONIC ADVERTISEMENT OR ELECTRONIC SOLICITATION; TO AMEND SECTION 81-29-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON OR ENTITY SHALL USE THE NAME, TRADE NAME, TRADEMARK, LOGO, PHONE NUMBER, OR INTERNET ADDRESS OF ANY BANK IN ANY ELECTRONIC ADVERTISEMENT OR SOLICITATION WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE BANK; TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; TO PROVIDE A CIVIL ACTION IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FOR ANY PERSON ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY ANY PATTERN OR PRACTICE WHICH VIOLATES THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 75-24-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE AN UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE IN OR AFFECTING COMMERCE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.