AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 11-55-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT IN ANY ACTION IN WHICH ATTORNEY FEES ARE AWARDED, THERE IS A STRONG PRESUMPTION THAT A LODESTAR FEE IS SUFFICIENT AND REASONABLE; TO DESCRIBE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH PRESUMPTION MAY BE OVERCOME; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS AUTHORIZED IN LAW; TO PROVIDE THAT EITHER PARTY IS ENTITLED TO THE SUMMARY PROCEDURE CREATED IN SECTION 2 OF THIS ACT IN ACTIONS BROUGHT FOR DECLARATORY RELIEF IN STATE OR FEDERAL COURT TO DETERMINE INSURANCE COVERAGE AFTER AN INSURER HAS MADE A TOTAL COVERAGE DENIAL; TO PROVIDE FOR AWARDS OF REASONABLE ATTORNEY FEES; TO REQUIRE THAT CERTAIN ACTIONS FOUNDED ON NEGLIGENCE SHALL COMMENCE WITHIN TWO YEARS NEXT AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUED; TO PROVIDE THAT IN SUCH ACTIONS INVOLVING LATENT INJURY OR DISEASE, THE CAUSE OF ACTION DOES NOT ACCRUE UNTIL THE PLAINTIFF HAS DISCOVERED OR REASONABLY SHOULD HAVE DISCOVERED THE INJURY; TO CREATE PROVISIONS CONCERNING ACTIONS FOR BAD FAITH INVOLVING LIABILITY INSURANCES CLAIMS; TO PROVIDE FOR FAILURE TO TENDER THE LESSER OF THE POLICY LIMITS OR THE AMOUNT DEMANDED BY THE CLAIMANT; TO CREATE PROVISIONS CONCERNING TWO OR MORE THIRD-PARTY COMPETING CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF A SINGLE OCCURRENCE; TO DEFINE TERMS; TO ALLOW CERTAIN EVIDENCE OFFERED TO PROVE THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT OR SERVICES IN PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH ACTIONS; TO STIPULATE THAT THERE IS NO AFFIRMATIVE DUTY TO SEEK A REDUCTION IN BILLED CHARGES TO WHICH THE PARTY IS NOT CONTRACTUALLY ENTITLED; TO PROTECT INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS BETWEEN PROVIDERS AND AUTHORIZED COMMERCIAL INSURERS FROM DISCOVERY, DISCLOSURE AND ADMISSION INTO EVIDENCE; TO REQUIRE CLAIMANTS TO DISCLOSE CERTAIN INFORMATION AS A CONDITION PRECEDENT TO ASSERTING A CLAIM FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES RENDERED UNDER A LETTER OF PROTECTION IN A PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH ACTION; TO CREATE PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES THAT MAY BE RECOVERED BY A CLAIMANT IN A PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH ACTION FOR THE REASONABLE AND NECESSARY COST OR VALUE OF MEDICAL CARE RENDERED; TO DEFINE TERMS; TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN OWNERS OR PRINCIPAL OPERATORS OF A MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY HAVE A PRESUMPTION AGAINST LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH CRIMINAL ACTS THAT OCCUR ON THE PREMISES AGAINST THIRD PARTIES WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS OF THE OWNER OR OPERATOR; TO REQUIRE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TO PROVIDE PROPER CRIME DETERRENCE AND SAFETY TRAINING TO ITS EMPLOYEES; TO REQUIRE OWNERS AND OPERATORS TO MEET A BURDEN OF PROOF IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH A PRESUMPTION AGAINST LIABILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 11-7-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT IN A NEGLIGENCE ACTION OTHER THAN AN ACTION BROUGH FOR PERSONAL INJURIES, OR WHERE SUCH INJURIES HAVE RESULTED IN DEATH, ANY PARTY FOUND TO BE GREATER THAN 50% AT FAULT MAY NOT RECOVER DAMAGES; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ACT SHALL NOT IMPAIR ANY RIGHT UNDER AN INSURANCE CONTRACT IN EFFECT ON OR BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ACT APPLIES TO AN INSURANCE CONTRACT ISSUED OR RENEWED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ACT SHALL APPLY TO CAUSES OF ACTION FILED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-1-43, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THAT A CONSERVATION OFFICER MAY PERFORM CERTAIN SEARCHES WITHOUT A WARRANT ONLY WITHIN STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS OR STATE WILDLIFE REFUGES; TO PROVIDE THAT A CONSERVATION OFFICER MUST HAVE PROBABLE CAUSE AND A WARRANT TO CONDUCT CERTAIN SEARCHES IN AREAS OTHER THAN STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS OR STATE WILDLIFE REFUGES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO DECLARE CERTAIN LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS RELATING TO GEOENGINEERING; TO AMEND SECTION 49-17-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DEFINE THE TERM "GEOENGINEERING" WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI AIR AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 49-17-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO GIVE THE MISSISSIPPI AIR AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION AUTHORITY TO ISSUE, MODIFY OR REVOKE ORDERS RELATED TO GEOENGINEERING; TO AMEND SECTION 49-17-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT GEOENGINEERING IN MISSISSIPPI AND TO CREATE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT ENTITLED THE "MISSISSIPPI VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION THERAPY QUALITY OF CARE ACT OF 2026"; TO SET FORTH THE PURPOSE OF THE ACT; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE PROGRAM; TO DESCRIBE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE BOARD IN MAINTAINING THE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE STATE VETERANS AFFAIRS BOARD TO CREATE A PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROGRAM; TO OUTLINE CRITERIA THE PLAN MUST MEET; TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO COMPLETE THE PLAN AND MAKE IT PUBLICLY AVAILABLE BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2026; TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO PERIODICALLY UPDATE THE PLAN AND MAKE SUCH UPDATES PUBLICLY AVAILABLE; TO PROHIBIT UNETHICAL CONDUCT AND IMPROPER COLLECTION OF FEES RELATING TO ASSISTANCE OR REFERRALS IN VETERANS BENEFITS MATTERS; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON WHO RECEIVES COMPENSATION FOR ASSISTING AN INDIVIDUAL REGARDING ANY VETERANS BENEFITS IS HELD TO THE SAME ETHICAL STANDARD AS AN ATTORNEY; TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE DEEMED A DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE ACTIONABLE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 75-24-5, 75-24-15 AND 35-3-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-17-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES SHALL SET ASIDE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF THE MONIES RECEIVED BY THE STATE UNDER THE FEDERAL TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES BLOCK GRANT DURING EACH FISCAL YEAR TO FUND GRANTS TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SPECIFICALLY WORKING WITH MILITARY OR FIRST RESPONDER FAMILIES, OR BOTH, TO PROVIDE MARRIAGE COUNSELING, PREPARATION AND SUPPORT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-17-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PRECEDING PROVISION; TO ENACT THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS CLAIMS REPRESENTATION PROTECTION ACT; TO DEFINE TERMS; TO PROHIBIT UNACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVES FROM REPRESENTING, ADVISING OR ASSISTING VETERANS OR DEPENDENTS IN PREPARING OR FILING CLAIMS FOR VA BENEFITS; TO PROHIBIT UNACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVES FROM ADVERTISING OR HOLDING THEMSELVES OUT AS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING CERTAIN SERVICES; TO CREATE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO MAINTAIN A REGISTRY OF ACCREDITED VA CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVES AND PROVIDE PUBLIC NOTICE TO ASSIST VETERANS IN IDENTIFYING THE SAME; TO REQUIRE A STUDY ON THE QUALITY OF CARE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION THERAPY CARE PROVIDED BY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMPARED TO NONDEPARTMENT PROVIDERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT ENTITLED THE "PRESERVING LAWFUL UTILIZATION OF SERVICES FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2026 (PLUS ACT)"; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON MAY RECEIVE ANY COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY VETERAN'S CLAIM UNLESS THE VETERAN SIGNS A WAIVER THAT THEY ARE WITHIN THE ALLOWABLE TIME PERIOD AND ARE CHOOSING TO DENY FREE SERVICES AVAILABLE; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON ASSISTING ON VETERANS' BENEFITS MATTERS FOR COMPENSATION SHALL PROVIDE CERTAIN DISCLOSURES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP; TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN PRACTICES BY BUSINESSES ASSISTING VETERANS BENEFITS MATTERS FOR COMPENSATION; TO PROVIDE CIVIL PENALTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT UNETHICAL CONDUCT AND IMPROPER COLLECTION OF FEES RELATING TO ASSISTANCE OR REFERRALS IN VETERANS BENEFITS MATTERS; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON WHO RECEIVES COMPENSATION FOR ASSISTING AN INDIVIDUAL REGARDING ANY VETERANS BENEFITS IS HELD TO THE SAME ETHICAL STANDARD AS AN ATTORNEY; TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE DEEMED A DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE ACTIONABLE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 75-24-5, 75-24-15 AND 35-3-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 25-3-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CODIFY SECTION 27-115-8, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CREATE A "VETERANS' ASSISTANCE LOTTERY" TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MISSISSIPPI LOTTERY CORPORATION; TO PRESCRIBE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CORPORATION TO MARKET AND ADVERTISE THE VETERANS' LOTTERY TO ENSURE THAT THE GAME REMAINS COMPETITIVE; TO PROVIDE FOR SALES AGENTS; TO CREATE THE FUND FOR VETERANS' ASSISTANCE AS A SPECIAL FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY WHICH SHALL RECEIVE PROCEEDS FROM THE VETERANS' LOTTERY WHICH SHALL BE APPROPRIATED TO THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS' AFFAIRS BOARD FOR THE SUPPORT OF VETERANS' PROGRAMS IN MISSISSIPPI; TO AMEND SECTION 27-115-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEPOSIT OF MONIES RECEIVED FROM THE SALE OF VETERANS' LOTTERY TICKETS INTO THE FUND FOR VETERANS' ASSISTANCE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-115-5, 27-115-17 AND 27-115-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS TO, BY RESOLUTION DULY ENTERED UPON THEIR MINUTES, AUTHORIZE COUNTIES TO PARTICIPATE IN GROUP PURCHASING PROGRAMS; TO PROVIDE PERMITTED ACTIONS; TO NAME CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ENACT A MINIMUM WAGE LAW FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, WITH ANNUAL INCREMENTAL INCREASES OVER A FOUR-YEAR PERIOD; TO DEFINE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SUBJECT TO THE MINIMUM WAGE LAW; TO EMPOWER THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, TO ENFORCE AND ADMINISTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE MINIMUM WAGE LAW; TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES AND A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST EMPLOYERS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE MINIMUM WAGE LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 17-1-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNING AUTHORITIES, IN THEIR DISCRETION, TO MANDATE A WAGE THAT IS MORE THAN THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE; TO AMEND SECTION 25-3-40, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO AMEND SECTIONS 85-3-4 AND 97-3-54.4, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL, NONSUBSTANTIVE AMENDMENTS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 7-7-204, 23-15-239, 37-7-307, 37-33-175, 57-34-5 AND 99-19-20, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 55-3-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT MILITARY VETERANS HOLDING VALID IDENTIFICATION SHALL BE ALLOWED ADMITTANCE INTO ANY STATE PARK OR MUSEUM OPERATED OR FUNDED BY THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AT NO CHARGE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-153, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE FROM 13 TO 18 YEARS OF AGE THE THRESHOLD FOR THE REDUCED ISSUANCE RATE FOR LIFETIME SPORTSMAN HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-7-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO RAISE THE RATE TO $3.00 FOR EACH SEPARATE PUBLICATION ADVERTISING LANDS FOR SALES TAXES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE RATE SHALL INCREASE EACH YEAR STARTING JULY 1, 2027, AT A RATE COMPARABLE TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE AND ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES TO ASSIST POULTRY FARMERS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO REPEAL SECTION 61-3-6, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH CREATES THE JACKSON METROPOLITAN AREA AIRPORT AUTHORITY; TO AMEND SECTIONS 61-3-3 AND 61-3-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.