MS HB839

Establishes the "Solemn Covenant of the States to Award Prizes for Curing Diseases Compact," creating an interstate commission to award prizes for treatments and cures meeting specified medical standards.

Commission becomes operational upon enactment by six states; requires two-thirds vote for prize approval and establishes at least ten major diseases eligible for prizes based on severity, survival rates, and public health costs.

Prize winners must transfer patent and intellectual property rights to the commission in exchange for prize money equal to five-year public health expense savings; compacting states pay annual amounts based on actual taxpayer savings from the cure.

Commission collects royalty fees from non-compacting states and foreign countries, with fees capped at estimated five-year public health savings; remaining funds distributed as refunds to compacting states based on their prize obligations.

States may withdraw after three years' notice but remain liable for prize obligations; provides immunity to commission members and employees except for intentional or willful misconduct; compact dissolves if membership falls below two states.