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Bill > HB134


MS HB134

MS HB134
Health care and education shortage assistance program; establish to help attract professionals to work in certain counties.


summary

Introduced
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Establish A Health Care And Education Shortage Assistance Program To Help Attract Physicians, Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians And Other Health Care Workers, Social Workers And Teachers To Work In Rural Areas Of Counties That Had An Unemployment Rate Of More Than Ten Percent In The Previous Calendar Year And Currently Have A Shortage Of Any Of Those Professionals; To Provide That Funding For The Program Will Be Provided From The Mississippi Works Fund And Will Be Disbursed To The Counties By The Mississippi Department Of Employment Security Upon Appropriation By The Legislature For That Purpose; To Provide That The Amount Appropriated For The Program Shall Be Not Less Than Five Million Dollars For Each Fiscal Year; To Provide That Any Eligible County That Wishes To Receive Funds Under The Program Must Adopt A Resolution Requesting The Funds And Submit An Application To The Department Of Employment Security With A Detailed Plan Of How The Funds Will Be Used; To Provide That In Order To Receive Funds Under The Program, A County Must Provide Matching Funds Of Not Less Than Thirty Percent Of The Amount Of The Funds Provided To The County Under The Program; To Bring Forward Section 71-5-353, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Provides For Workforce Training Funds, For The Purposes Of Possible Amendment; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a Health Care and Education Shortage Assistance Program to incentivize professionals like doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, social workers, and teachers to work in rural areas of Mississippi that have experienced high unemployment (over 10% in the previous year) and currently face a shortage of these essential workers. The program will be funded by the Mississippi Works Fund, with at least $5 million appropriated annually by the Legislature and disbursed by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. To receive these funds, eligible counties must pass a resolution, apply with a detailed plan for attracting professionals, and contribute at least 30% of the requested amount as matching funds. The bill also references Section 71-5-353 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, which pertains to workforce training funds, for potential amendments.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)

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