MS HC82

Pledges Mississippi Legislature funding to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to provide paid leave for workers unable to work due to COVID-19 confirmation, employer business closure, or reduced work hours related to the pandemic.

Covers employees who have tested positive for COVID-19, whose employers suspended or discontinued operations due to COVID-19, or whose work hours were reduced in response to the pandemic without compensation for lost wages.

Acknowledges the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic as of March 15, 2020, including deaths, hospitalizations, and quarantines nationwide, and the virus's transmission through respiratory droplets among people in close contact.

Recognizes that private employers may lack financial capacity to pay employees during business closures or reductions caused by COVID-19 health and safety concerns.

Requires distribution of the resolution to the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and Capitol Press Corps members.