HB 463 Summary

• Requires employers with 50+ employees to provide eligible employees up to 10 working days of unpaid leave per year to support military family members ordered to active duty, including 30 days before orders, during military leave, and 30 days after orders end.

• Employees must have worked for the employer at least 12 months and 1,500 hours to qualify; employers may require verification of eligibility and can substitute paid vacation or personal leave for unpaid leave.

• Allows employees to continue health care benefits during military leave at their own expense and restores employees to their original or equivalent position upon return.

• Exempts citizens serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or Mississippi National Guard from jury service in any Mississippi court.

• Permits individuals on active duty under age 21 to rent hotel or motel rooms; violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 fine.

• Directs the Adjutant General to assist in implementing the act and expands Mississippi Military Family Relief Fund eligibility to provide assistance with food, housing, utilities, medical services, transportation, child care and other essential family support expenses.