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Bill

HB 1047

Mississippi Paid Family and Medical Leave Act; establish.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Grace Butler-Washington and 1 co-sponsor

Mississippi bill would create paid family and medical leave program for workers, but died in committee without a vote.

Died In Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1047

Legislative bill overview

HB 1047 would establish a paid family and medical leave program in Mississippi, allowing workers to take time off for childbirth, adoption, serious health conditions, or family care needs while receiving partial wage replacement. The bill died in committee in February 2025 without advancing to a floor vote.

Why is this important

Mississippi is one of only a handful of U.S. states without a paid family leave program, affecting workers' ability to balance caregiving responsibilities with financial stability. Implementation would impact employers, state budgets, and working families—particularly low-income workers who cannot afford unpaid time off during major life events.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanism: Establishing a new benefit program requires identifying revenue sources, whether through payroll taxes, employer contributions, or general funds—a significant fiscal commitment
  • Employer burden: Businesses, especially small employers, may face operational challenges managing employee absences and potential increased payroll costs
  • Program scope and generosity: Disagreement likely exists over eligibility criteria, duration of leave (weeks vs. months), benefit levels (percentage of wages), and which situations qualify as medical or family emergencies

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

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