New laws now impacting Mississippi

Beginning today, new laws from the previous legislative session are on the books in Mississippi.

Three of these laws could have significant impacts on South Mississippi residents.

House Bill 349, also known as the Squatted Truck Ban, places restrictions on certain vehicle modifications. Front fenders cannot be raised four or more inches higher than rear fenders.

Violating this law will result in fines or license suspensions, and law enforcement leaders say that they will enforce this consistently.

The state’s new “presumptive eligibility” law creates changes to Medicaid coverage for pregnant Mississippi women.

Under this law, the government-funded insurance program will pay for a pregnant woman’s outpatient medical care for up to 60 days while her Medicare application is still being considered.

Another new law focuses on the process of selling alcohol in the Magnolia State.

This law allows Mississippi cities to hold an election on whether to permit alcohol sales, even if the city is in a dry county.