Labor & Employment (Public Employees)

HB 177 would have increased annual pay for Mississippi state employees based on their current salary brackets, effective July 1, 2026. Employees earning under $25,000 would receive a $2,500 raise, those between $25,000-$35,000 would get $1,500, those between $35,000-$50,000 would get $1,000, and those over $50,000 would get $500. The bill included two key limits: no employee could exceed their agency head’s pay, and the State Personnel Board would adjust job classifications if raises would push salaries beyond standard pay scales. It required legislative funding and died in committee in February 2026, so it never took effect.

HB 149 requires Mississippi's state workforce board and occupational licensing boards to accept military education, training, or service as equivalent to civilian requirements for professional licenses in multiple licensed professions (like nursing, engineering, and cosmetology). It directly affects veterans and military members transitioning to civilian careers by allowing them to use evidence of their military experience to meet licensing criteria. The bill mandates that applicants provide proof of military service completion, and boards must expedite licenses for active-duty personnel. It also requires public colleges and universities to develop policies for accepting military-acquired academic credits. The legislation applies to all 32 licensed occupations listed in the bill's Section 2.