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Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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HB251 • 2026

Sexual harassment; create a state cause of action.

AN ACT TO CREATE A CAUSE OF ACTION FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN STATE COURT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Labor
Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor
Clark
Last action
2026-02-03
Official status
Dead
Effective date
July 1, 20

Plain English Breakdown

The bill did not pass, so its provisions do not currently apply.

Creating Legal Action for Sexual Harassment

This bill aims to allow people who experience sexual harassment at work to sue in Mississippi state courts.

What This Bill Does

  • Creates a new law that lets workers take legal action against sexual harassment in the workplace if it also violates federal laws.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who work or have worked in Mississippi and experience sexual harassment at work
  • Employers and coworkers accused of sexual harassment

Terms To Know

Cause of action
A legal right to sue someone for a wrong done.
Civil remedies
Legal actions that give money or other help to people who have been hurt by others.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill did not pass and was stopped in committee.
  • It only applies if the harassment is also against federal laws.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-03 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System

    02/03 (H) Died In Committee

  2. 2026-01-07 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System

    01/07 (H) Referred To Judiciary A

Official Summary Text

Sexual harassment; create a state cause of action.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
H. B. No. 251 *HR26/R381* ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2
26/HR26/R381
PAGE 1 (GT\KW)
ST: Sexual harassment; create a state cause of
action.
To: Judiciary A
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026

By: Representative Clark

HOUSE BILL NO. 251

AN ACT TO CREATE A CAUSE OF ACTION FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN 1
STATE COURT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: 3
SECTION 1. (1) Any person who, while engaged in any type of 4
employment, and is subject to unwanted sexual advances, requests 5
for sexual favors or other physical conduct of a sexual nature 6
that is prohibited by federal law, shall have a cause of action in 7
the courts of this state for such sexual harassment. Such person 8
shall be entitled to all civil remedies including damages for such 9
sexual harassment. 10
(2) The cause of action created by this section shall not be 11
waived by any contract or agreement as a condition of employment. 12
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from 13
and after July 1, 2026. 14