HB 1491 establishes a Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE) within Mississippi's Department of Information Technology Services to guide state agencies and local governments (including school districts and municipalities) in adopting cloud computing. The CCOE will develop a two-year implementation plan by July 2027, requiring agencies to prioritize cloud-compatible systems when purchasing new IT software and report on cloud adoption progress annually. Key provisions include creating standardized migration processes, enhancing cybersecurity, and mandating justification reports for exceptions to cloud adoption. The bill directly affects all state agencies and local governing authorities through new procurement requirements and centralized technical support.
HB 599 creates civil liability for commercial entities (like websites or platforms) that knowingly distribute child pornography or obscene material online. It allows individuals to sue these entities for damages up to $500,000, plus attorney fees, for publishing such content. The law explicitly exempts news organizations and internet service providers from liability for merely providing connectivity, not creating content. It also defines "material harmful to minors" and requires "reasonable age verification" methods to prevent minors' access. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on April 10, 2025.
SB 2835 creates the Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority within the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to oversee emergency communications. It requires all emergency communications districts (ECDs) to adopt a next-generation 911 (NG911) system plan by December 31, 2030, and establishes a fund to collect fees from service providers on emergency communications. The authority will manage these fees, set standards for NG911 systems, audit charges, and require annual financial reports from ECDs. The bill also repeals outdated sections of law related to emergency telephone services.
HB 1380 protects Mississippi state/local governments and commercial entities (like businesses handling personal data) from lawsuits related to cybersecurity incidents if they follow specific, nationally recognized security standards. The bill requires these entities to adopt cybersecurity programs aligned with frameworks such as NIST, HIPAA, or ISO 27000, creating a strong legal defense against liability claims. It establishes that compliance with these standards is presumed valid unless a plaintiff proves otherwise with clear evidence. This law directly affects organizations managing sensitive data by reducing legal risks tied to data breaches while mandating adherence to established security practices. The protection applies to covered entities starting January 1, 2026.
HB 20, the "Statewide Digital Services and Procurement Modernization Act," requires all Mississippi state agencies to transition to a centralized cloud storage system by July 1, 2030, to improve efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness in government operations. The bill establishes a Procurement Modernization Advisory Council to oversee implementation, develop cybersecurity plans, and guide data integration across state, county, and municipal governments. It directs the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (MDITS) to create the cloud center, enforce cybersecurity standards, and provide training and technical support for agencies during the transition. MDITS must also report annually to the legislature on progress, cost savings, and cybersecurity enhancements.
HB 1239 revises Mississippi's tax exemption rules for data center enterprises, targeting businesses investing at least $500 million and creating 50+ new jobs paying 125% of the state average wage. It requires detailed applications to the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) outlining project plans, job creation timelines, and annual compliance documentation. Approved businesses receive a 10-year exemption from specified state taxes (sales, use, franchise, and electricity taxes), but must maintain performance commitments or face forfeiture after a 60-day remedy period for noncompliance. The bill explicitly excludes digital asset mining operations from eligibility and sets an expiration date of June 30, 2025.
This bill appropriates $136.7 million (including $33 million from the Unemployment Trust Fund) for Mississippi's Department of Employment Security to cover fiscal year 2026 expenses (July 2025-June 2026). It authorizes 453 positions (389 permanent, 64 time-limited) and specifies that funds must cover staff costs, One-Stop Career Center operations (rent, equipment, disability access), technology systems, and workforce data programs like the SLDS. Strict limits prevent using funds for salary increases beyond approved levels or replacing federal funds, requiring new funding approval for any salary actions. The department must align actual spending with projected costs published by the Legislative Budget Office.
HB 1644 revises Mississippi's tax incentives for telecommunications companies deploying broadband infrastructure. It establishes tiered tax credits (5-15% of equipment costs) based on rural area designations (Tier One to Three), with annual limits of $15 million total and $1.5 million per company. The bill prohibits credits for equipment paid for via the federal BEAD broadband program and requires companies to submit sworn equipment descriptions to county tax assessors by April 1 to claim property tax exemptions for equipment placed in service between 2025-2030. These exemptions last 10 years for fixed broadband and 5 years for mobile broadband, subject to FCC speed benchmarks.
SB 3062 updates Mississippi's tax incentives for broadband infrastructure by raising minimum speed requirements and adding budget caps. It revises the definition of eligible equipment to require fixed broadband to meet current FCC speed benchmarks (instead of the previous 35 Mbps down/3 Mbps up standard) for property tax exemptions on equipment placed in service between 2025-2030. The bill also limits annual tax credits to $15 million total ($1.5 million per company) and prohibits credits if equipment costs were covered by federal BEAD program funds. These changes directly affect telecommunications companies deploying broadband in Mississippi's designated Tier areas (Tier One to Three), impacting their tax liability for qualifying equipment investments.
HB 1903 increases tax credits for businesses donating to specific charitable organizations focused on child welfare, youth education, and workforce development. It raises the annual limit on credits for these contributions and allows unused credits to carry forward for five years. The bill also extends deadlines for broadband infrastructure tax credits until 2029 and clarifies equipment eligibility for property tax exemptions related to broadband deployment. These changes directly affect Mississippi businesses making qualifying donations or investing in broadband technology.
