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HB 850

Abortion; provide for statewide referendum on question of prohibiting abortions in Mississippi.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Earle Banks

HB 850 would authorize a statewide referendum letting Mississippi voters decide whether to prohibit abortions through direct ballot measure.

Referred To Constitution;Apportionment and Elections
#apportionmentandelections #constitution
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Bill Summary · HB 850

Legislative bill overview

HB 850 would authorize a statewide referendum allowing Mississippi voters to directly decide whether to prohibit abortions in the state. The bill creates a ballot measure that would bypass the legislature and place this policy question directly before the electorate.

Why is this important

This bill responds to Mississippi's current abortion landscape following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Dobbs v. Jackson) that returned abortion regulation to individual states. A statewide referendum would represent a direct democratic process on a highly divisive issue rather than legislative action alone, potentially reshaping reproductive rights policy in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and exceptions: The bill's language regarding what "prohibiting abortions" means—whether exceptions for rape, incest, or maternal health would be included—is critical and likely contentious
  • Timing and process: Questions about whether a referendum is the appropriate mechanism versus standard legislative action, and whether voters have sufficient information to make this determination
  • Implementation complexity: Even if passed, a ballot measure would require subsequent legislative action to define enforcement mechanisms, penalties, exceptions, and medical procedures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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