MS HB529

Abolishes at-will employment doctrine in Mississippi and requires employers with 20+ employees to discharge workers only for legitimate, good-faith business reasons after the initial 90-day probationary period.

Defines discharge as not in good faith when based on personal dislike, retaliation for protected activities, discrimination, workers' compensation claims, off-duty conduct, handbook violations, or unequal discipline application.

Allows wrongfully discharged employees to recover lost wages, compensatory damages for mental distress, and punitive damages through jury trial in circuit or county court, with a one-year statute of limitations.

Caps punitive and mental distress damages at $50,000 to $300,000 depending on employer size (20-100 employees up to 500+ employees).

Prohibits employers from waiving these protections through arbitration agreements, damage limitations, or administrative remedies, and does not repeal existing wrongful termination protections.