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; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT 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; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 29-5-215, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF MONIES IN THE CAPITOL COMPLEX IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT PROJECT FUND MAY BE USED TO COMPENSATE THE OFFICE OF CAPITOL POLICE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR POLICE COVERAGE FOR MAJOR EVENTS CONDUCTED WITHIN THE DISTRICT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD SERVICEMEMBERS MEDICAL READINESS ACT; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD TRICARE PREMIUM REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM TO AWARD GRANTS TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD FOR THE COST OF PREMIUMS FOR INDIVIDUAL COVERAGE THROUGH THE TRICARE RESERVE SELECT PROGRAM AND/OR THE TRICARE DENTAL PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE THE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE THAT THE MISSISSIPPI MILITARY DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF MISSISSIPPI TO PROVIDE A REPORT ON THE PROGRAM TO THE LEGISLATURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO PROVIDE A STATE INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR TAXPAYERS WHO ARE ACTIVE DRILLING MEMBERS OF THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OR AIR NATIONAL GUARD AND ELIGIBLE FOR AN EXEMPTION FROM GROSS INCOME FOR NATIONAL GUARD COMPENSATION UNDER SECTION 27-7-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972; TO PROVIDE THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDIT; TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE AMOUNT OF CREDIT CLAIMED BY A TAXPAYER EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT OF INCOME TAX IMPOSED UPON THE TAXPAYER FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR, THEN THE TAXPAYER SHALL RECEIVE A REFUND FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FOR THE AMOUNT OF SUCH EXCESS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.549, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 33-1-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF MILITARY LEAVE FOR TRAINING AUTHORIZED FOR OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF ANY DEPARTMENT, AGENCY, OR INSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, OR OF ANY COUNTY, MUNICIPALITY, OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; 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 NEW SECTION 69-1-401, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE TO ISSUE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS FOR PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT; TO PERMIT THE COMMISSIONER AND ANY DESIGNATED AGENT TO ADMINISTER OATHS AND AFFIRMATIONS, EXAMINE WITNESSES AND RECEIVE EVIDENCE; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 69-25-36, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY WITHIN THE REGULATORY OFFICE OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE TO APPLY TO CIRCUIT COURTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTION AND SEARCH WARRANTS FOR PREMISES OF ENTITIES OR INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE LICENSED OR REGULATED BY THE BUREAU, WHICH HAS DENIED ACCESS TO THE DEPARTMENT; TO PRESCRIBE THE CIRCUMSTANCES BY WHICH THE BUREAU MAY FACILITATE THE ISSUANCE AND EXECUTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTION AND SEARCH WARRANTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 45-1-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DELETE THE PROVISION PROHIBITING POSTING OF SECURITY PERSONNEL AT THE PROPERTY OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LOCATED AT 121 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET AND THE NEW FARMERS MARKET BUILDING LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF HIGH AND JEFFERSON STREETS IN THE CITY OF JACKSON, HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, AND PERMIT POSTING OF SECURITY PERSONNEL AND REGULAR VEHICLE PATROLS AND RESPONSES TO SECURITY SYSTEM ALARMS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE THE ASSOCIATION SELF-FUNDED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COVERAGE ACT; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS; TO AUTHORIZE A PROFESSIONAL OR TRADE ASSOCIATION IN MISSISSIPPI TO PURCHASE HOSPITAL, SURGICAL AND MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS COVERAGE FROM A SELF-FUNDED ASSOCIATION PLAN SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANOTHER STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT OR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT; TO EXEMPT SUCH PLANS SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANOTHER STATE OR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FROM THE INSURANCE LAWS OF THIS STATE AND REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE UPON DEMONSTRATING TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE THAT CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET; TO REQUIRE WRITTEN NOTICE TO BE PROVIDED TO PLAN PARTICIPANTS AND PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS THAT THE PLAN IS NOT REGULATED BY MISSISSIPPI LAW; TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER TO RETAIN PROFESSIONALS TO ASSIST IN REVIEWING A PLAN'S REQUEST TO BE EXEMPT FROM STATE INSURANCE LAWS AND REGULATIONS; TO REQUIRE SUCH PLANS TO DESIGNATE THE COMMISSIONER AS ITS AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS IN MISSISSIPPI; TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER TO ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 83-5-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 83-9-253, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE TO APPLY FOR A STATE INNOVATION WAIVER UNDER THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT; 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 AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.549, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE CORINTH SCHOOL DISTRICT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 19-3-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO SHORTEN THE REQUIREMENT FOR NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS OF COUNTY BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS FROM FIVE DAYS TO THREE BUSINESS DAYS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.