JACKSON, Miss. — Several new laws passed during the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session go into effect today, July 1, 2025, impacting taxes, criminal justice, and consumer regulations.
A significant tax reform reduces the state income tax by 0.25%, continuing a gradual phase-out, while the grocery sales tax drops from 7% to 5%. However, the gas tax increases by 3 cents per gallon.
The Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) introduces a Tier 5 for new government hires, effective March 2026, leaving current employees and retirees unaffected.
In criminal justice, HB 724 makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally fail to submit an assisted absentee ballot, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and one year in jail.
HB 1200, the Real Property Owners Protection Act, establishes a legal process to remove squatters from private property, while HB 1203 bans camping on public property, with a first-offense fine of up to $50.
Impersonating a police officer is now a felony under HB 1338, and HB 1308 creates a felony for “grooming” a child for exploitation.
Consumer laws include HB 916, requiring cigarette and vape manufacturers to register products by Sept. 1, 2025, for inclusion in a state directory, with non-compliant products banned from sale by Oct 1.
Direct wine shipments to residents are now permitted, allowing up to 12 cases per address annually.
Other notable laws include free court record access for public defenders and prosecutors (SB 2482), a Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team (HB 2886), and updated fireworks sales regulations (SB 2210).
These changes aim to enhance public safety, streamline legal processes, and adjust economic policies across the state.
For a complete list of all laws going into effect today, visit the Mississippi Legislature’s website.
