MS HB1261

Establishes a state minimum wage starting at $7.50/hour in January 2022, increasing incrementally to $10.00/hour by January 2025, with overtime pay requirements of 1.5 times regular rate for hours exceeding 40 per week

Requires the Mississippi Department of Human Services to spend at least $20 million annually of TANF funds on the Child Care Payment Program and transfer at least 20% of the TANF block grant to the Child Care and Development Fund

Creates a paid family leave program providing 12 weeks of paid leave for birth/adoption of a child, care of a family member with serious health condition, or the employee's own serious health condition, administered by the Department of Employment Security

Prohibits employers from paying employees of one sex less than employees of the opposite sex for equal work requiring equal skill, effort, and responsibility (Evelyn Gandy Fair Pay Act), with civil penalties and private right of action for violations

Establishes the Mississippi Higher Education Grant Program for Single Mothers providing at least $1,500 annually to eligible low-income single mothers for tuition, books, fees, and child care at public colleges and universities