Education

SB 2011 appropriates $227.65 million from the State General Fund and $65.79 million from the Education Enhancement Fund for Mississippi's public community and junior colleges during fiscal year 2026. The bill directly affects 14 specific institutions (including Hinds, Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Northeast Mississippi Community Colleges) by funding their operations through a formula based on full-time equivalent student enrollment, with weighted allocations for academic, technical, nursing, and allied health programs. Key provisions include $30.81 million for employee life/health insurance, $6.75 million for workforce development and equipment, $179,050 for sign language interpreter training, and $10 million for education technology. Funds are distributed based on student enrollment counts as of the sixth week of each semester, with advance payments allowed for colleges facing immediate cash flow needs.

HB 48 redirects $1.4 million in the FY2025 state education budget to continue Mississippi's existing school safety platform. The bill specifically revises an appropriation section to ensure this funding remains available for the current safety system, rather than for other purposes. This change affects Mississippi public schools by maintaining their current safety infrastructure funding without altering safety requirements or creating new programs. The bill passed the legislature and was signed into law by the governor in June 2025.

SB 2001 allocates nearly $1.5 billion in state funds to Mississippi's eight public universities (Alcorn State, Delta State, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State, Ole Miss, and Southern Miss) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It provides $376 million from the state general fund for core operations, $1.09 billion from federal/student fees, and $1.5 million from the Ayers Endowment for specific university support. The bill also earmarks $145,000 for the Governor's School for Gifted Students (requiring nominations from all high schools) and $349,200 for the Teacher Corps program. Key provisions include requiring 65% of on-campus funding for off-campus centers and prohibiting general funds from replacing federal or special funds.