MS HB256

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

Prohibits terminations based on personal dislike, protected constitutional/statutory rights, employee handbook violations, race, sex, age, national origin, religion, workplace injuries, workers' compensation claims, off-duty conduct, or unequal disciplinary application.

Allows wrongfully discharged employees to recover lost wages, compensatory damages for mental distress and loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages if employer acted with reckless disregard; caps damages at $50,000-$300,000 depending on employer size.

Provides one-year statute of limitations for civil actions in circuit or county court with jury trial rights; prohibits arbitration agreements or damage waivers from limiting employee protections.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.