MS HB1442

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

Prohibits bad-faith terminations including those based on personal dislike, retaliation for protected activity, discrimination, workers' compensation claims, off-duty conduct, or unequal disciplinary application.

Allows wrongfully discharged employees to recover lost wages, compensatory damages for mental distress, punitive damages if employer acted recklessly, and up to one year of "front pay" if diligent job search efforts prove unsuccessful.

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

Requires lawsuits be filed within one year of termination, prohibits waiver of protections through arbitration agreements or damage limitations, and preserves existing employee protection statutes; effective July 1, 2019.