MS HB495

Prohibits employers, schools, school districts, and administrators from creating dress codes or policies that ban natural hairstyles including afros, braids, twists, and locks during workplace or school hours.

Prohibits discrimination in pay, promotions, employment opportunities, student discipline, or expulsion based on natural hairstyle, with limited exceptions for seniority systems, merit systems, and production-based compensation.

Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for civil actions, allowing employees to recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees, and other equitable relief.

Prohibits retaliation against employees or students who oppose unlawful hairstyle discrimination practices or participate in investigations and proceedings related to violations.

Amends Mississippi Code Sections 25-9-149 and 25-9-103 to add "natural hairstyles" as a protected characteristic in state employment discrimination prohibitions.