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Bill

SB 2691

Civil actions; increase the noneconomic damages limitation other than medical malpractice.

2026 Regular Session

Mississippi bill increases noneconomic damages caps in civil lawsuits, allowing larger pain-and-suffering awards while excluding medical malpractice cases.

Referred To Judiciary, Division A
#judiciary #divisiona
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2691

Legislative bill overview

SB 2691 would increase the cap on noneconomic damages (such as pain and suffering, emotional distress) in civil lawsuits in Mississippi, excluding medical malpractice cases. The bill modifies existing tort law by allowing plaintiffs to recover larger awards for intangible harms beyond direct financial losses. The specific dollar amount of the increase is not detailed in the bill designation alone.

Why is this important

Noneconomic damages caps directly affect how much compensation injured parties can receive for suffering. This impacts both plaintiffs seeking recovery and defendants (businesses, individuals, insurers) facing potential liability. The change could influence settlement amounts, litigation strategy, and insurance premiums across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Business liability concerns: Opponents argue higher caps increase litigation costs and insurance premiums, potentially harming small businesses and economic competitiveness
  • Consumer protection perspective: Supporters contend current caps inadequately compensate genuine suffering and unfairly limit victim recovery
  • Medical malpractice exclusion: The explicit carve-out for medical malpractice raises questions about why healthcare providers receive different treatment than other defendants
  • Inflation adjustment debate: Whether the increase should be indexed to inflation or require periodic legislative renewal

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

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