AN ACT TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 41-7-171 THROUGH 41-7-209, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH CONSTITUTE THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED LAW, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 41-7-185, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL, NONSUBSTANTIVE AMENDMENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE RARE DISEASE TASK FORCE WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI RARE DISEASE ADVISORY COUNCIL; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE TASK FORCE IS TO IDENTIFY GAPS IN CARE, EVALUATE FUNDING AND INSURANCE COVERAGE PRACTICES, ADVISE POLICYMAKERS ON EVIDENCE-BASED SOLUTIONS, AND ENSURE FAIR, TIMELY, AND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO RARE DISEASE THERAPIES IN THIS STATE; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP, POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE TASK FORCE; TO REQUIRE THE TASK FORCE TO MAKE AN ANNUAL REPORT TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OFFICIALS; TO AMEND SECTION 1 OF HOUSE BILL NO. 1622, 2026 REGULAR SESSION, TO REPLACE CERTAIN INSTANCES OF THE TERM "LICENSE" WITH "EXEMPTION" FOR THE SAKE OF ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 43-27-2, 43-27-8, 43-27-10, 43-27-12, 43-27-14, 43-27-16, 43-27-17, 43-27-18, 43-27-19, 43-27-20, 43-27-22, 43-27-23, 43-27-25, 43-27-27, 43-27-29, 43-27-33, 43-27-37 and 43-27-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 43-27-11 AND 43-27-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL NONSUBSTANTIVE AENDMENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE MISSISSIPPI BOARD OF PHARMACY TO ESTABLISH AN ALTERNATIVE-TO-DISCIPLINE PROGRAM FOR LICENSEES WHO HAVE AN IMPAIRMENT AS A RESULT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE OR A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION; TO SET FORTH MINIMUM PROGRAM CRITERIA; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT IN STRUCTURING GRANTS, APPLICATIONS OR OTHER PROGRAMS FUNDED BY THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM, SECTION 71401 OF PUBLIC LAW NO. 119-21, PRIORITY SHALL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS, AWARDEES OR SUBGRANTEES LOCATED IN SUPER RURAL ZIP CODES AS DESIGNATED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS) AND TO THOSE LOCATED IN CERTAIN COUNTIES AND AREAS OUTSIDE OF A METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA; TO PROVIDE THAT PRIORITY SHALL ALSO BE GIVEN TO PROGRAMS FUNDED BY THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM THAT PROVIDE DIRECT ASSISTANCE TO MISSISSIPPI PROVIDERS AND PATIENTS, RATHER THAN VENDORS; TO PROVIDE THAT IN ANY GRANT PROGRAM FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION OR UPGRADES, FACILITIES OR OTHER CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FOR FACILITIES OR EQUIPMENT FUNDED BY THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM, PRIORITY SHALL BE GIVEN TO AWARDEES THAT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A DIRECT STATE OR FEDERAL APPROPRIATION FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES OR OTHER CAPITAL EXPENDITURES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS; TO REQUIRE A COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS FOR VENDORS, SUBCONTRACTORS OR OTHER ENTITIES SELECTED BY THE STATE TO ASSIST IN ESTABLISHING A STATE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE THAT IS FUNDED THROUGH THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM; TO SPECIFY THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH STATE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE; TO PROVIDE THAT PREFERENCE IN SELECTING A DESIGNATED VENDOR, SUBCONTRACTOR OR ENTITY SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THOSE ENTITIES THAT HAVE DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE PROVIDING HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE SERVICES OFFERING REAL-TIME BIDIRECTIONAL ADMISSION, DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER DATA TO MISSISSIPPI HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS; TO REQUIRE THE AGENCY OVERSEEING THE STATE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF THE EXCHANGE INCLUDING ALLOWABLE PARTICIPANTS, PERMISSIBLE USES OF DATA, SECURITY AND OTHER PROTOCOL, AND A PROCESS BY WHICH PATIENTS MAY OPT OUT OF PARTICIPATING; TO EXEMPT RECORDS TRANSMITTED TO OR FROM THE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC RECORDS ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY CONTRACT FOR A PROGRAM FUNDED BY THE RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM, INCLUDING THOSE ENTERED INTO OR MANAGED BY A NON-PUBLIC ENTITY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC RECORDS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 41-4-1, 41-4-2, 41-4-3, 41-4-5, 41-4-7, 41-4-8, 41-4-9, 41-4-11, 41-4-13, 41-4-17, 41-4-18, 41-4-19, 41-4-21, 41-4-23, 41-4-25, 41-4-27, 41-4-29, 41-19-33, 41-19-43, 41-19-45, 41-21-63, 41-21-65, 41-21-67, 41-21-68, 41-21-71, 41-21-73, 41-21-77, 41-21-87, 41-21-143 AND 41-31-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE DIVISION OF MEDICAID FROM COLLECTING OR TAKING ANY STEPS TO COLLECT MONIES OWED DUE TO OVERPAYMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE 2024 FISCAL YEAR FROM A HOSPITAL IN GREENWOOD UNTIL AFTER MAY 1, 2026, IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ACCESS TO CRITICAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES WILL NOT BE ERODED OR ELIMINATED FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN REGIONS OF THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 73-7-1 THROUGH 73-7-37, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH CREATE AND RELATE TO THE STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY AND BARBERING, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-25-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MODIFY THE LIMITED INSTITUTIONAL LICENSURE PROCESS BY AUTHORIZING THE MISSISSIPPI STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE (BOARD) TO ISSUE A LIMITED INSTITUTIONAL LICENSE FOR THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN STATE INSTITUTIONS TO CERTAIN GRADUATES OF FOREIGN MEDICAL COLLEGES UPON REVIEW OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S APPLICATION AND UPON THE SATISFACTION OF ALL REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH BY THE BOARD; TO INCREASE FROM FIVE YEARS TO EIGHT YEARS THE PERIOD OF TIME THAT A LIMITED INSTITUTIONAL LICENSE MAY BE HELD; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO ISSUE A LIMITED LICENSE TO CERTAIN INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED PHYSICIANS WITH OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT IN MISSISSIPPI; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO ISSUE A LIMITED LICENSE TO CERTAIN UNITED STATES MEDICAL SCHOOL GRADUATES WHO INITIALLY FAIL TO MATCH WITH A POSTGRADUATE RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAM; TO SET FORTH REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPLICANTS FOR INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED PHYSICIAN (ITP) AND MEDICAL GRADUATE (MG) LIMITED LICENSES, AND TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF SUCH LIMITED LICENSE HOLDERS; TO PROVIDE THE PERIODS OF TIME FOR WHICH SUCH LIMITED LICENSES MAY BE HELD; TO REQUIRE ITP LIMITED LICENSEES TO PRACTICE ONLY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OR MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AREAS WITH A CURRENT SHORTAGE OF PHYSICIANS; TO REQUIRE MG LIMITED LICENSEES TO ENTER INTO A SUPERVISORY PRACTICE AGREEMENT WITH A SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN AND TO REQUIRE MG LICENSEES TO PRACTICE ONLY IN COUNTIES WITH A POPULATION OF LESS THAN 50,000; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO DIRECT THE TRANSFER OF $20 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE CAPITAL EXPENSE FUND TO THE DISASTER ASSISTANCE TRUST FUND; TO DIRECT THE TRANSFER OF $125 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE CAPITAL EXPENSE FUND TO THE 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS DISASTER RECOVERY EMERGENCY LOAN FUND; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT MAKING AN ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION OF DISASTER ASSISTANCE TRUST FUNDS TO THE MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR THE PURPOSES OF DEFRAYING EXPENSES RELATED TO THE STATE OBLIGATIONS FOR DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY, INCLUDING THE SEVERE WEATHER EVENT BEGINNING ON JANUARY 24, 2026, FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING UPON PASSAGE OF THIS ACT, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2027.

AN ACT TO ENACT THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD TRICARE PREMIUM REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM TO REIMBURSE MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD FOR THE COST OF PREMIUMS FOR TRICARE RESERVE SELECT HEALTH CARE PLANS; TO STATE THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA; TO PROVIDE THAT ELIGIBLE MEMBERS SHALL RECEIVE A REIMBURSEMENT FOR ELIGIBLE TRICARE RESERVE SELECT PREMIUMS PAID AT THE CURRENT TRICARE RESERVE SELECT PREMIUM RATE; TO REQUIRE THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE THAT THE FUNDS FOR THIS PROGRAM SHALL BE SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION BY THE LEGISLATURE; TO REQUIRE AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ENACT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS DISASTER RECOVERY EMERGENCY LOAN PROGRAM ACT; TO DEFINE TERMS; TO ESTABLISH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISASTER RECOVERY EMERGENCY LOAN PROGRAM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSISTING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN RECOVERING FROM CERTAIN FEDERALLY DECLARED DISASTERS BY ISSUING LOANS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS; TO PROVIDE THAT NO LOAN SHALL BE ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THIS ACT AFTER A CERTAIN DATE; TO SET FORTH THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY IN ADMINISTERING THIS ACT; TO ALLOW THE MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO AUTHORIZE AN ADMINISTRATOR TO CARRY OUT ANY OR ALL OF THE POWERS AND DUTIES ENUMERATED IN THIS ACT; TO EXEMPT THE MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FROM ANY REQUIREMENT THAT THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT REVIEW BOARD APPROVE ANY PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS OR PRE-APPROVE ANY SOLICITATION OF SUCH CONTRACTS FOR PURPOSES OF THIS ACT; TO CREATE A SPECIAL FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY TO BE DESIGNATED AS THE "LOCAL GOVERNMENTS DISASTER RECOVERY EMERGENCY LOAN FUND"; TO REQUIRE EACH RECIPIENT OF A LOAN UNDER THE PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH A DEDICATED SOURCE OF REVENUE FOR REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN IN THE EVENT THAT THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY DECLINES TO REIMBURSE AN EXPENDITURE FOR WHICH LOAN PROCEEDS WERE USED; TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXECUTED LOAN AGREEMENT WILL OBLIGATE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO REPAY THE PROCEEDS OF THE LOAN IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT OF REIMBURSEMENTS FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE LOAN AGREEMENT SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE REPAYMENT OF ALL FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE EMERGENCY FUND WITHIN NOT MORE THAN TWO YEARS FROM THE DATE THAT THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY DECLINED TO REIMBURSE FOR AN EXPENDITURE FOR WHICH LOAN PROCEEDS WERE USED; TO REQUIRE A RECIPIENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO PLEDGE ITS SALES TAX REVENUE DISTRIBUTION OR ITS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ANNUAL TAX LOSS REIMBURSEMENT, AS THE CASE MAY BE, TO MEET THE REPAYMENT SCHEDULE CONTAINED IN THE LOAN AGREEMENT IN THE EVENT THAT THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY DECLINES TO REIMBURSE AN EXPENDITURE FOR WHICH LOAN PROCEEDS WERE USED; TO AMEND SECTION 27-104-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY UNDER THIS ACT ARE EXEMPT FROM APPROVAL BY THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT REVIEW BOARD; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-13-115, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY TO INCLUDE THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ENTITLED TO BENEFITS UNDER THE FEDERAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010 (ACA), AS AMENDED; TO AMEND SECTION 43-13-117, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCLUDE ESSENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID UNDER THE FEDERAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010 (ACA), AS AMENDED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING FORMER STATE SENATOR ROBERT (BOBBY) CHAMBERLIN UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS INVESTITURE AS JUDGE OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI.