AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-33-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AMEND THE HOUSING AUTHORITIES LAW BY ADDING AND DEFINING THE TERM "MIXED-FINANCE PROJECT" TO SUCH LAW; TO PROVIDE THAT MIXED-FINANCE PROJECT MEANS A PROJECT THAT IS FINANCIALLY ASSISTED BY PRIVATE RESOURCES WHICH MAY INCLUDE LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS IN ADDITION TO AN AMOUNT PROVIDED UNDER ANY STATE OR FEDERAL PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 43-33-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE HOUSING AUTHORITIES TO OWN, OPERATE, ASSIST OR OTHERWISE PARTICIPATE IN ONE OR MORE MIXED-FINANCE PROJECTS; TO AMEND SECTION 43-33-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A CERTAIN SELF INSURANCE AGREEMENT MAY BE FORMED WHEN ONE OR MORE HOUSING AUTHORITIES HAVE FORMED PARTNERSHIPS, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES OR ENTITIES IN WHICH AN AUTHORITY OR AN ENTITY AFFILIATED WITH AN AUTHORITY IS A GENERAL PARTNER, MANAGING MEMBER OR OTHERWISE PARTICIPATES IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ENTITY WHEN UNDERTAKING A MIXED-FINANCE PROJECT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-33-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE ANY TWO OR MORE HOUSING AUTHORITIES TO COOPERATE WHEN UNDERTAKING A MIXED-FINANCE PROJECT; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-33-52, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN IMMUNITY TO INDIVIDUAL COMMISSIONERS, DIRECTORS, SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES, AND SUPERVISORY AGENTS OF A HOUSING AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO A MIXED-FINANCE PROJECT IF SUCH INDIVIDUALS WHILE ACTING IN THE SCOPE OF THEIR DUTIES AS THEY RELATE TO SUCH PROJECTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE AND CODIFY SECTIONS 37-11-89 THROUGH 37-11-103, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO BE KNOWN AS THE "MISSISSIPPI TEACHERS' BILL OF RIGHTS"; TO REQUIRE EACH TEACHER TO DEVELOP AN ANNUAL CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR EACH INSTRUCTIONAL SETTING AND TO REQUIRE EACH PRINCIPAL TO ESTABLISH WRITTEN SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL TIMELINES, PROVIDE REASONS FOR REQUIRED REVISIONS AND PROVIDE FOR DEEMED APPROVAL UPON NONACTION; TO REQUIRE SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS THE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND NOTICE OF TEACHER REMOVAL AUTHORITY; TO DECLARE THE TEACHER THE PRIMARY AUTHORITY IN CLASSROOM MATTERS AND TO AUTHORIZE TEACHER-DIRECTED IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF A STUDENT FOR SPECIFIED DISRUPTIVE, THREATENING, DANGEROUS OR MATERIALLY INTERFERING CONDUCT; TO REQUIRE PROMPT ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL AND SUPERVISED PLACEMENT OF REMOVED STUDENTS AND TO CLARIFY THAT REMOVAL IS NOT A SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION; TO PROHIBIT A PRINCIPAL FROM DENYING A TEACHER'S REMOVAL AND TO PROVIDE FOR AN APPEAL PROCESS WHILE MAINTAINING ADMINISTRATIVE PLACEMENT PENDING SATISFACTION OF READMISSION REQUIREMENTS UNLESS THE TEACHER CONSENTS; TO REQUIRE TIMELY INCIDENT REPORTING BY THE TEACHER, DOCUMENTED PARENTAL NOTICE BY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND WRITTEN CERTIFICATION TO THE TEACHER IDENTIFYING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS TAKEN, SAFETY OR BEHAVIORAL SUPPORTS IMPLEMENTED AND CONDITIONS FOR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION BEFORE READMISSION; TO REQUIRE CONFERENCES AND WRITTEN BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT PLANS AFTER REPEATED REMOVALS AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES CONSISTENT WITH FEDERAL LAW; TO REQUIRE ESCALATING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AFTER REPEATED REMOVALS WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD, INCLUDING IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION, OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION, ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND OTHER MAXIMUM DISCIPLINARY MEASURES; TO REQUIRE EACH LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD AND PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARD TO ADOPT A TEACHER APPEAL PROCESS, INCLUDING WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS, TIMELY DETERMINATIONS, WRITTEN DECISIONS AND CONTINUED EXCLUSION PENDING APPEAL ABSENT TEACHER CONSENT; TO PROHIBIT RETALIATION AGAINST TEACHERS FOR GOOD-FAITH EXERCISE OF RIGHTS AND TO REQUIRE PROMPT COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION; TO PROVIDE PRESUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ACTING IN GOOD FAITH AND WITHIN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF EMPLOYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE REIMBURSEMENT OF REASONABLE ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COURT COSTS IN SPECIFIED CIRCUMSTANCES AND TO CLARIFY THAT NO PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION FOR DAMAGES IS CREATED; TO REQUIRE LOCAL POLICY ADOPTION, ANNUAL TRAINING, RECORDKEEPING AND AGGREGATE REPORTING TO THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-85, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE FINDINGS AND PROGRAM PURPOSES TO ADDRESS CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR; TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-9-71, 37-11-1, 37-11-18.1, 37-11-55 AND 37-11-57, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITIES, DUE PROCESS STANDARDS, CLASSROOM PLACEMENT SAFEGUARDS, BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION AND EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS, STUDENT CONDUCT CODE PROVISIONS, TEACHER REMOVAL AND READMISSION PROCEDURES AND EDUCATOR IMMUNITY AND LIMITATIONS RELATED TO DISCIPLINE AND CORPORAL PUNISHMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI YOUTH AND FAMILY SYSTEMS COORDINATION TASK FORCE; TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSE OF THE TASK FORCE; TO PROVIDE THE MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES OF THE TASK FORCE; TO REQUIRE THE TASK FORCE TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI FUTURE INNOVATORS ACT; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-13-215, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT, BEGINNING WITH THE ENTERING NINTH-GRADE CLASS OF 2029-2030, A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SHALL, BEFORE GRADUATION, BE REQUIRED TO EARN ONE UNIT OF CREDIT IN A HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE, OR ONE UNIT OF CREDIT IN AN INDUSTRY-ALIGNED CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) WITH EMBEDDED COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE; TO PROVIDE THE STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS THAT MAY BE SATISFIED BY EITHER OF THESE COURSES; TO REQUIRE THAT SUCH COURSES INCLUDE INSTRUCTION ON THE FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF EMERGING COMPUTER SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES, SUCH AS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-205, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DEFINE "CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION WITH EMBEDDED COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE" FOR PURPOSES OF THE MISSISSIPPI COMPUTER SCIENCE AND CYBER EDUCATION EQUALITY ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-27-14, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE CRIME OF CAUSING EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN CONTAGIOUS DISEASES TO INTENTIONAL TRANSMISSION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES; TO ESTABLISH DEFENSES TO PROSECUTION; TO REVISE THE PENALTIES FOR PERSONS GUILTY OF COMMITTING THE CRIMES OF INTENTIONAL TRANSMISSION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND ENDANGERMENT BY BODILY SUBSTANCE; 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 CREATE "THE PURPLE ANGELS LAW" TO REGULATE THE REGISTRY OF PERSISTENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDERS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO CREATE THE REGISTRY; TO REQUIRE THE CLERK OF THE CONVICTING COURT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; TO REQUIRE PAYMENT OF A REGISTRATION FEE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-13-63 AND 37-13-64, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION OF THE NUMBER OF DAYS SCHOOL DISTRICTS IMPACTED BY WINTER STORM FERN, WHICH WARRANTED THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR SUCH PURPOSES, SHALL BE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT SCHOOL OUTSIDE OF THE REQUIRED 180 DAYS OF THE SCHOLASTIC YEARS BY GRANTING SUCH DISTRICTS WHICH CONTINUE TO BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BEYOND THE EXPIRATION OF THE DECLARED STATE OF EMERGENCY ON JANUARY 27, 2026, NOT TO EXCEED FIFTEEN DAYS FOR PURPOSES OF THOSE SCHOOL BOARD'S ABILITY TO RECEIVE PAYMENT FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR PER PUPIL EXPENDITURE FOR PUPILS IN NET ENROLLMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-28-61, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO LIMIT TO 12 MONTHS THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OF A CHARTER SCHOOL TO PURCHASE OR LEASE CLOSED PUBLIC SCHOOL PROPERTY IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS LOCATED; TO SPECIFY THAT THIS PROVISION SHALL NOT IMPAIR ANY RIGHTS OF A CHARTER SCHOOL UNDER A CONTRACT FOR PURCHASE OR LEASE OF THE PROPERTY ENTERED WITH THE DISTRICT DURING THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD; TO AMEND SECTION 37-7-455, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT, WITHIN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE CLOSURE OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITY OR PROPERTY, NO PURCHASE OR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH ANY ENTITY OTHER THAN A CHARTER SCHOOL LOCATED IN THE DISTRICT MAY BE ENTERED, UNLESS EACH SUCH CHARTER SCHOOL HAS NOTIFIED THE SCHOOL BOARD THAT IT IS NOT EXERCISING ITS RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ON THE PROPERTY; TO AMEND SECTION 37-7-477, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT LEASED SCHOOL PROPERTY SHALL REVERT BACK TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WHEN THE PROPERTY CEASES TO BE USED FOR THE PURPOSES IT WAS ORIGINALLY LEASED OR FOR AN ALTERNATIVE PURPOSE APPROVED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD AT THE TIME THAT THE ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT OF CONVEYANCE WAS EXECUTED; TO PRESCRIBE THE PROCEDURES TO BE ADHERED TO IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE AN ALTERNATIVE USE TO BE STIPULATED IN THE ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT OF CONVEYANCE, WHICH MUST BE ACTED UPON THE SCHOOL BOARD BY RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED AND SPREAD UPON ITS MINUTES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO DESIGNATE A SEGMENT OF MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY 537 LOCATED IN YAZOO COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE "COLONEL DONNELL BERRY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY"; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-35-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF REAL ESTATE BROKER; TO AMEND SECTION 73-35-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE REGULATIONS GOVERNING REAL ESTATE BROKERS; TO AMEND SECTION 73-35-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE HOW DELINQUENCY NOTIFICATIONS FOR FAILURE TO PAY FEES ARE GOVERNED; TO AMEND SECTION 73-35-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "REASONABLE TIME"; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-35-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REGULATE REAL ESTATE BROKERS' AGREEMENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO REVISE THE PHARMACY BENEFIT PROMPT PAY ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 73-21-151, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REFERENCE NEW SECTIONS ADDED TO THE PHARMACY BENEFIT PROMPT PAY ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 73-21-153, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DEFINE NEW TERMS AND REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF CERTAIN EXISTING TERMS; TO AMEND SECTION 73-21-155, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT FROM PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS AND PHARMACY SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (PSAOS) PAYABLE TO PHARMACIES; TO REQUIRE PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS TO GIVE PHARMACISTS REASONS FOR DENYING A CLAIM WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF RECEIVING AN ELECTRONIC CLAIM; TO AMEND SECTION 73-21-156, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DELETE PROVISIONS AUTHORIZING PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS FROM USING MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COST LISTS; TO REVISE THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS PROCESS PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS MUST MAKE AVAILABLE TO PHARMACIES TO CHALLENGE REIMBURSEMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 73-21-157, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE PSAOS TO BE LICENSED BY THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY; TO REQUIRE PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS AND PSAOS TO RENEW LICENSES ANNUALLY; TO REVISE THE FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD WITH AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE OR LICENSE RENEWAL; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-21-158, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF SPREAD PRICING BY PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 73-21-159, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATES TO FINANCIAL EXAMINATIONS OF PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 73-21-161, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT STEERING BY PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-21-162, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT RETALIATION AGAINST PHARMACISTS BY PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS, PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER AFFILIATES AND PSAOS; TO AMEND SECTION 73-21-163, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE PROVISIONS RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS AND AUDITS OF PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS CONDUCTED BY THE BOARD; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-21-165, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS TO SUBMIT CERTAIN ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE BOARD; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-21-167, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI SPECIALTY DRUG COMMITTEE; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-21-211, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DESIGNATE CERTAIN NEWLY CREATED STATUTES AS THE PHARMACY FAIR COMPETITION ACT; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-21-213, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DECLARE CERTAIN LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION AND RETAIL SALE OF PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS AND THE PUBLIC NECESSITY TO REGULATE AND LICENSE CERTAIN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-15-215, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS FROM HOLDING A PHARMACY PERMIT FOR THE RETAIL SALE OF DRUGS; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO ISSUE LIMITED USE PERMITS FOR THE SALE OF RARE DRUGS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-21-217, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO ASSESS EACH ACTIVE RETAIL PHARMACY PERMIT TO DETERMINE IF THE PERMIT HOLDER IS IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 73-21-215, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972; TO AMEND SECTION 25-15-301, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN TO CONTRACT FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PHARMACY BENEFITS; TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO BE A MEMBER OF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE WHEN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR SUCH ADMINISTRATION; TO REQUIRE A PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER FOR THE STATE HEALTH PLAN TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE PHARMACY BENEFIT PROMPT PAY ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 25-15-303, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE STATE AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE MANAGEMENT BOARD; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE FETAL AND INFANT MORTALITY REVIEW PANEL TO REVIEW FETAL DEATHS AND DEATHS OF INFANTS UP TO ONE YEAR OF AGE AND ESTABLISH STRATEGIES TO PREVENT INFANT DEATHS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVIEW PANEL SHALL BE MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND COMPOSED OF SUCH MEMBERS AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; TO REQUIRE THE REVIEW PANEL TO SUBMIT A REPORT ANNUALLY TO THE HOUSE AND SENATE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEES THAT INCLUDE THE NUMBERS, CAUSES AND RELEVANT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ON INFANT MORTALITY DEATHS IN MISSISSIPPI, AND APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE LEGISLATURE ON HOW TO MOST EFFECTIVELY DIRECT STATE RESOURCES TO DECREASE INFANT MORTALITY IN THE STATE; TO REQUIRE THAT DATA SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE REVIEW PANEL BY THE STATE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE, STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, MEDICAL EXAMINERS, CORONERS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND ANY OTHER AGENCIES OR OFFICIALS HAVING INFORMATION THAT IS NECESSARY FOR THE REVIEW PANEL TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES; TO PROVIDE THAT IN THE CASE OF AN INFANT OR CHILD WHO DIES SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY, INCLUDING CASES OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS), SUDDEN UNEXPECTED INFANT DEATH (SUID) OR SUDDEN DEATH IN THE YOUNG (SDY), THE REVIEW PANEL SHALL CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE INFANT'S OR CHILD'S MEDICAL, PRENATAL, AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, MATERNAL HEALTH RECORDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AND PREVENTABLE CAUSES OF DEATH; TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH REVIEW SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BEST PRACTICES AND SHOULD INCLUDE CONSIDERATION OF THE INFANT'S OR CHILD'S IMMUNIZATION HISTORY AND ANY MEDICAL TREATMENTS OR INTERVENTIONS AS PART OF THE OVERALL MEDICAL CONTEXT, WITHOUT LIMITATION TO A SPECIFIED TIME PERIOD, AS RELEVANT TO THE PANEL'S DETERMINATION OF CONTRIBUTING FACTORS; TO DIRECT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO VERIFY THAT CASES OF SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED DEATH OF AN INFANT OR CHILD WERE REPORTED TO THE SUID AND SDY CASE REGISTRY AND THAT ANY ADVERSE VACCINE REACTIONS WERE REPORTED TO THE VACCINE ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING SYSTEM (VAERS), AND TO REPORT TO THE SUID AND SDY CASE REGISTRY OR TO VAERS ANY SUCH CASES OR ADVERSE VACCINE REACTIONS THAT WERE NOT PREVIOUSLY REPORTED; TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVIEW PANEL'S REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS SHALL BE MADE PUBLIC BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; TO REQUIRE PHYSICIANS, HOSPITALS AND PHARMACIES TO PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCESS TO THE REVIEW PANEL TO ALL RELEVANT MEDICAL RECORDS ASSOCIATED WITH A CASE UNDER REVIEW BY THE REVIEW PANEL; TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL AND NOT SUBJECT TO THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT OR SUBPOENA, DISCOVERY OR INTRODUCTION INTO EVIDENCE; TO AUTHORIZE THE REVIEW PANEL TO INITIATE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AGAINST AGENCIES OR OFFICIALS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE PANEL IN A COMPLETE AND TIMELY MANNER; TO AMEND SECTION 25-41-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; TO EXEMPT CERTAIN QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT, AND REVIEW RECORDS OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FROM THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH RECORDS SHALL BE CONFIDENTIAL AND NOT SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE, SUBPOENA, OR DISCOVERY; TO EXEMPT CERTAIN RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL LICENSING INFORMATION FROM THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT WHEN DISCLOSURE WOULD POSE A RISK TO PUBLIC HEALTH OR SECURITY; TO AMEND SECTION 25-41-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION OR OTHERWISE CONDUCT A CLOSED MEETING DURING MORBIDITY OR MORTALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE WORK MANDATED BY STATUTE OR REGULATION, SUCH AS THE CHILD DEATH REVIEW PANEL, THE MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE, AND THE FETAL AND INFANT MORTALITY REVIEW PANEL; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 25-61-11.3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT FROM THE MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC RECORDS ACT OF 1983 DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS USED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DURING MORBIDITY OR MORTALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE WORK MANDATED BY STATUTE OR REGULATION, SUCH AS THE CHILD DEATH REVIEW PANEL, THE MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE, AND THE FETAL AND INFANT MORTALITY REVIEW PANEL; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-134, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO INCORPORATE AGE-APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION ON THE PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AS A COMPONENT OF ITS HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM; TO PRESCRIBE THE CRITERIA TO BE CONSIDERED AS COMPONENTS OF THE INSTRUCTION THAT ARE DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE AND CULTURALLY SENSITIVE; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR PROVIDE TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS TO EFFECTIVELY DELIVER INSTRUCTION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND DATING VIOLENCE PREVENTION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.