Bill > HB215

This bill establishes a Hazard Pay for Essential Health Care Workers Grant Program administered by the Mississippi State Department of Health to provide $1,500 in premium pay to essential health care workers who worked in high-risk public settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill defines essential health care workers broadly, including social workers, nurse assistants, technicians, janitorial and support staff who worked directly with patients or in environments with elevated COVID-19 exposure risk. To qualify for the premium pay, workers must have an annual income of $75,000 or less and have performed in-person work that involved direct patient interactions or handling items potentially exposed to COVID-19. The department will create an application process for employers to request grant funds, with applications to be reviewed and approved at the discretion of the department's executive director. Grants can only be used for payments made after July 1, 2025, and the program is set to be in effect until July 1, 2028. The department is required to submit an annual report to the Legislative Budget Committee detailing the applications received and funds awarded. The program aims to provide financial recognition to workers who were on the front lines during the pandemic, supporting those in healthcare settings who faced significant health risks during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0215.xml