Bill > SB2359

This bill, titled the Mississippi Civil Rights Act, establishes and defines civil rights in Mississippi, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, immigrant status (which refers to an individual's immigration status in the U.S.), sex, sexual orientation (actual or perceived homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality), gender identity (an individual's gender-related identity regardless of sex at birth), disability (a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life function, excluding certain conditions like current illegal drug use or alcoholism), or familial status (having children under 18 or being pregnant or in the process of securing custody of a minor). The act provides remedies for violations, allowing individuals injured by intentional discrimination in public accommodations, educational institutions, property transactions, or credit and contractual dealings to sue for injunctions, compensatory damages (for intangible injuries like mental anguish), and punitive damages (for malicious actions), along with litigation costs and attorney fees. For employment discrimination, individuals can seek court orders to stop discriminatory practices, affirmative relief, back pay (accruing no more than two years prior to filing a lawsuit), and also compensatory and punitive damages for intentional discrimination. The bill specifies that it does not apply to religious organizations employing individuals for religious activities and clarifies that it does not limit other existing legal remedies, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2359.xml