Bill > HB1681

This bill, known as the "Maternal and Family Transportation Equity Act of 2026," establishes a program administered by the State Department of Health to address transportation barriers for pregnant women and mothers up to 18 months postpartum, as well as families with young children, aiming to reduce maternal and infant health disparities. The program will provide transportation for essential needs such as medical appointments (prenatal, postpartum, pediatric), WIC services, grocery stores for WIC benefit redemption, pharmacies, and licensed childcare centers, with a focus on supporting rural and underserved families. To ensure safety and accessibility, the bill mandates that transportation providers meet specific requirements, including having appropriate child safety seats, maintaining clean and climate-controlled vehicles, conducting driver background checks, and offering services statewide with evening and weekend availability, regardless of income, insurance, or immigration status. The program will be funded through various sources, including state appropriations, federal grants, and public-private partnerships, and the Department will report annually to the Legislature on its services and impact.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1681.xml