MS HB1679

Appropriates $60,000,000 from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to the Mississippi State Department of Health for fiscal year 2022-2023

Establishes a "Hazard Pay for Essential Health Care Workers" Grant Program providing $1,500 premium pay to health care workers who performed essential services between January 31, 2020 and February 1, 2022

Eligible workers must earn $75,000 or less annually and include social workers, certified nurse assistants, aides, technicians, janitorial staff, housekeeping, security guards, food service workers, laundry workers, and nonmanagerial administrative staff in health care settings

Employers of essential health care workers apply for grant funds, with the Department of Health reviewing and certifying applications within 7 days of approval

Allows the Department of Health to retain 3% of grant funds for administrative costs and requires compliance with federal American Rescue Plan Act guidelines