Public Utilities

SB 2783 amends Mississippi's broadband grant program definitions to distinguish between projects serving retail end users (homes/businesses) and other projects. It redefines "applicant" to require retail-focused applicants to be qualified broadband providers with state authorization and proven resources, while other applicants only need standard grant eligibility. The bill also clarifies "eligible project" for retail projects as discrete initiatives in unserved areas, and updates "broadband service" to require minimum speeds (100 Mbps down/20 Mbps up). These changes directly affect entities applying for state broadband grants under the BEAM program, ensuring clearer eligibility criteria for funding.

HB 1458 modifies Mississippi's telephone solicitation law to allow calls about Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans under two specific conditions: (1) when a person has an established business relationship with the solicitor, or (2) when the person has previously requested contact about such plans. This change applies directly to insurance companies and their solicitors selling Medicare plans within Mississippi. The bill clarifies that these exceptions do not override federal preemption under 42 U.S.C. § 1395w-26(b)(3). Other sections of the bill make minor technical corrections to existing provisions but do not alter the core Medicare solicitation rules.

HB 1457 forgives utility debt for customers in the Town of Walnut whose gas and water meters weren't read for five years before the bill's effective date. It cancels amounts accrued until July 1, 2026, directly affecting those specific Walnut utility customers. After July 1, 2026, customers become responsible for new charges, and the bill expires on June 30, 2027. The law provides a limited-time debt relief measure for a defined group based on meter-reading history.

HB 1368 requires utility companies in Mississippi to send bills to customers within 45 days of reading the meter, directly affecting residential and commercial utility customers. The bill's key provision mandates this 45-day timeline for all utility services, replacing any longer billing cycles unless specifically authorized by the utility commission. It aims to provide customers with more timely billing information and reduce uncertainty about payment deadlines. This change would apply to all regulated utilities, including water, gas, and electricity providers, without altering existing rate structures or billing methods.

HB 1535 (the BEAM Act) revises Mississippi's broadband funding program by updating definitions and application requirements for the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility (BEAM). It clarifies who qualifies as an "eligible broadband service provider" (e.g., companies with 3+ years of service in Mississippi) and requires applicants to prove their technical/financial capability, demonstrate underserved communities, and detail project costs and community benefits. Key provisions mandate applicants to submit evidence of unserved areas, projected household access, community support, and a business plan - while prohibiting fund use for operational expenses. The bill also blocks funding for projects overlapping with existing or near-term broadband deployments by other providers.