New laws, plainly
What Passed
The new laws that matter most to Jackson, explained so a seventh grader could follow them: what each does, why it happened, what it costs, and what changes for you.
11 laws explained so far, with more on the way. Each entry is built from the bill's summary and history, the Legislature's cost estimate when the Wire can find one, and news reports; the reporting note at the end of each entry says what was and was not read.
3 laws in Health care. Show everything
In effect now
HB 565 · In effect since July 1, 2026
Health plans must now pay for biomarker tests that guide cancer and Alzheimer’s care
State-regulated health plans, Medicaid and the state employee plan must cover biomarker testing for cancer, Alzheimer’s and other diseases when solid medical evidence supports it.
SB 2917 · In effect since April 13, 2026
The state is putting $100 million into a new cancer center in Jackson
A budget-transfer law sets aside $100 million for UMMC’s planned cancer center on State Street, plus $253 million for lawmakers’ local projects and $150 million for highways.
HB 3 · In effect since February 4, 2026
Hospitals can now spend twice as much before asking the state’s permission
Hospitals and other providers can spend twice as much on improvements before needing a state permit, and UMMC’s own exemption is limited to the Jackson area.
How this section is made
The Wire reads the bill's summary and history, the Legislature's cost estimate when it can find one, the votes, and the reporting around it, then writes the result in plain words. We say what the law does, who wanted it and who fought it, what it costs and who pays, and what changes for an ordinary household. Where the Wire adds its own reading, the sentence begins “The Wire's read:” Spot an error? Write to capitolmain42@gmail.com.