Bill > HB1036

This bill modifies Mississippi's state health laws to require that any orders issued by the State Health Officer related to sanitary and quarantine measures must first be approved by the Governor before being released to the public. Specifically, the bill amends two sections of the Mississippi Code: Section 41-3-15 and Section 41-23-5. Under the current law, the State Health Officer has broad authority to investigate and control epidemic and infectious diseases, including establishing isolation and quarantine measures. The new provision would add an additional layer of executive oversight by mandating that the Governor must review and approve any such orders before they can be implemented. This change means that during public health emergencies or disease outbreaks, the State Health Officer cannot unilaterally issue orders controlling disease spread without first obtaining gubernatorial approval. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state officials time to prepare for the new approval process. The legislation appears aimed at increasing political accountability in public health decision-making by ensuring the state's highest elected official has direct input on significant health-related directives.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1036.xml