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February 12, 2026

Tier 5 Retirement Plan will be implemented March 1, 2026

The Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) will implement a new retirement tier—Tier 5—following passage of House Bill 1 during the Mississippi Legislature’s 2025 session.

Tier 5 is designed as a hybrid retirement plan, combining elements of both a defined benefit (DB) pension plan and a defined contribution (DC) plan.

Who Is Affected?

Membership in Tier 5 applies to individuals who:

  • Are hired into PERS-covered positions on or after March 1, 2026, and

  • Are new to PERS, or

  • Previously participated in PERS but refunded their contributions.

Contribution Structure

Employees enrolled in Tier 5 will contribute a mandatory 9% of salary, allocated as follows:

  • 4% to the defined benefit (DB) component

  • 5% to the defined contribution (DC) component

Vesting Requirements

Employees in Tier 5 will vest after eight years of service.

Additional details about Tier 5, including plan design and frequently asked questions, are available on the PERS website:

https://www.pers.ms.gov/Tier5

October 22, 2025

H-1B Update

On October 20, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued additional clarifications regarding implementation of the Presidential Proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on “new” H-1B filings. While open questions remain, the updated guidance provides clarification. 

Petitions Not Subject to the Fee

  • Those with previously issued and currently valid H-1B visas and approval notices.
  • H-1B petitions submitted before September 21, 2025.
  • Petitions for H-1B Extensions, Amendments, or Changes of Employer (transfers) for employees already in the United States. Likewise, change of status from F-1 (OPT or CPT) and J-1 to H-1B.
  • Individuals with approved H-1B petitions will not become subject to the fee if they travel outside the United States. 

H-1B Petitions Subject to the $100,000 Fee

  • H-1B petitions filed for consular notification after September 21, even if the foreign national was in the U.S. when the petition was filed (though some exceptions may apply for individuals with existing valid H-1B visas).
  • Foreign workers who are denied a change of status, amendment, or extension of status.

 Update on MSU H-1B Sponsorships

  • The University will allow sponsorship and the potential payment of the $100,000 fee if the department has the funds available and obtains prior VP approval.

Based on the most recent USCIS guidance, departments considering sponsorship of an H-1B petition should request a consultation with Human Resources Management. HRM will review the circumstances, confirm whether the petition falls under the new requirements, and coordinate next steps.

Please see link for more information about H-1B visas.

September 22, 2025

Benefits Open Enrollment

Mark your calendars for Benefits Open Enrollment, which runs from Oct. 1–31. This is your annual opportunity to review and make changes to your benefits elections. Any updates you make during this period will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. 

To support you during this time, Human Resource Management, or HRM, will be onsite at the locations listed below to assist with questions and provide guidance. 

Additionally, don’t forget to participate in Employee Benefits & Wellness Week, which offers both virtual and in-person sessions to help you better understand your benefits options. Click here for more information.

HRM Onsite Schedule 

  • Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi – Oct. 1 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. 

  • Central MS Research and Extension Center, Raymond – Oct. 2 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

  • North MS Research & Extension Center, Verona – Oct. 6 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

  • Meridian Campus, Downtown – Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. –1 p.m. 

  • Delta Research & Extension Center, Stoneville – Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. –2 p.m.

  • Mississippi State University, Starkville, McArthur Hall, Room 181 – Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Key Changes – Effective Jan. 1, 2026 

  • The Base plan family deductible will increase to $3,400 to meet the minimum required regulations under Federal Law. The Base plan coverage option qualifies under IRS regulations as a high deductible health plan that can be used with a health savings account. There are no other deductible changes for 2026. 

  • Both the Base and Select plans will have pharmacy programs implemented. Each of these programs are designed to assist participants with costs associated with specialty medications.  

Important Dates 

  • Employee Benefits and Wellness Week: Sept. 22–26

  • Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 1–31

  • Deadline for Submission: Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. No changes will be accepted after this date.  

  • Benefit Changes Take Place: Jan. 1, 2026 

If you have questions, contact your HRM Benefits Specialist at (662)325-3713 or visit hrm.msstate.edu/benefits.  

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