AFP–MS Commends the House Business and Commerce Committee for Passage of HB 1072

Jan 22, 2026 by AFP

Jackson, MS – Americans for Prosperity–Mississippi (AFP-MS) commends the House Business and Commerce Committee for passing HB 1072, the Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act, a proposal designed to complement Mississippi’s modern workforce and better support independent contractors and flexible workers.

HB 1072 would allow hiring partners to offer voluntary, portable benefits that follow workers from job to job, reflecting the realities of today’s evolving economy and the growing number of Mississippians who choose independent or flexible work arrangements.

AFP-MS State Director Starla Brown released the following statement:

“We commend the Business and Commerce Committee for passing HB 1072. Independent contractors and flexible workers should not be forced to choose between opportunity and access to benefits.

“AFP-MS is committed to modernizing gig workers’ access to benefits and alleviating their rising cost of living by expanding affordable, flexible benefit options. Thank you to Representative Lee Yancey for his leadership in sponsoring HB 1072 and recognizing that Mississippi’s workforce is changing. We strongly encourage all Mississippi lawmakers to support the Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act.”

Read State Director Starla Brown’s recent op-ed in the Magnolia Tribune, “Modernizing Mississippi’s Workforce: Why Portable Benefits Are the Next Step.”