Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official page posted by the Mississippi Legislature, fetched 2026-08-29. This is the enrolled version. The official bill page.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Appropriations
By: Senator(s) Hopson, DeBar, Parks, Boyd, Butler, DeLano,
Suber
Senate Bill 3053
(As Sent to Governor)
AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR SUPPORT OF THE EIGHT UNIVERSITIES FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2027.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE
LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. The following sum of money, or so much
thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the
State General Fund not otherwise appropriated, to the Board of Trustees of
State Institutions of Higher Learning for the purpose of support, maintenance,
affirmative action plan, interest funds and repairs at the state-supported
institutions of higher learning; for support of Alcorn State University, Delta
State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University,
Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University,
University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi, for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending
June 30, 2027................................. $ 379,154,701.00.
SECTION 2. The following sum of money, or so much
thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of the proceeds from
any federal, student fees or other special source funds not otherwise
appropriated, to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
for the purpose of support of education and general operations of Alcorn State
University, Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State
University, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State
University, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi,
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending
June 30, 2027................................ $ 1,310,271,056.00.
SECTION 3. The
following sums, or so much thereof as may be necessary, are hereby appropriated
out of any money in the Ayers Endowment interest fund for the purposes as set
out by the courts in the Ayers Case for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027:
Alcorn State University................. $
424,500.00.
Jackson State University................. $
651,000.00.
Mississippi Valley State University...... $ 424,500.00.
TOTAL:.......... $ 1,500,000.00.
SECTION 4. It is the
intention of the Legislature that the Board of Trustees of State Institutions
of Higher Learning shall allocate funds to the off-campus centers based on a
minimum rate of sixty-five percent (65%) of the on-campus cost of a full-time
equivalent student. The on-campus distribution is to be determined without
regard to the costs incurred by any one or more of them in the operation of off-campus
degree-completing centers' classes. Off-campus centers which are operated
jointly by two (2) or more institutions, the amount allocated to such centers
shall be prorated among the institutions jointly operating such centers based
on the full-time equivalent enrollment of such centers.
The board of trustees shall
ensure that the off-campus centers are not charged with any indirect or
overhead cost prorated from any on-campus activity. It is the intention of the
Legislature that the on-campus operations charge the off-campus centers with
only actual direct charges.
SECTION 5. Of the
funds appropriated in Section 1 of this act, the amount of One Hundred Forty-five
Thousand Dollars ($145,000.00) shall be used for the promotion and expenses of
the Mississippi Governor's School for the Gifted and Talented.
Provided, however, that the
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall develop the
governing policy for faculty, course content and facilities selection on a
competitive basis from all Mississippi senior colleges and universities. The
Mississippi Governor's School for the Gifted and Talented shall accept not less
than one (1) high school student nominee from each accredited high school in
Mississippi. The nominees, selected under criteria developed and adopted by
the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, shall be
provided a two-week tuition-free program.
SECTION 6. Of the
funds appropriated in Section 1 of this act, the amount of Three Hundred Forty-nine
Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($349,200.00) shall be used for the promotion and
expenses of the Teacher Corps.
SECTION 7. It is the
intent of the Legislature that no general funds authorized to be expended
herein shall be used to replace federal funds and/or other special funds which
are being used for salaries authorized under the provisions of this act and
which are withdrawn and no longer available.
SECTION 8. Of the
funds appropriated in Section 1 of this act, the following amounts shall be
used as set forth:
(a) For Mississippi
State University as interest
on agricultural land script fund and interest on sale of
university land, the sum of..................................... $
14,387.00.
(b) For the University of Mississippi as interest on
original seminary fund, the sum of...................... $ 32,643.00.
(c) For the University of Mississippi as interest on
1904 land grant fund, the sum of......................... $ 9,965.00.
(d) For the University of Mississippi as interest on
LaBauve Fund, the sum of............................... $ 1,420.00.
(e) For Mississippi University for Women as interest on
funds paid into the State Treasury as proceeds of sale of land donated to the
Industrial Institute and College by the United States government, the sum of............................................ $
9,389.00.
(f) For Alcorn State University as interest on land
script and land sales funds, the sum of................... $ 12,592.00.
SECTION 9. Of the
funds appropriated in Section 2 of this act, the following amount shall be
derived from Education Enhancement Funds deposited pursuant to Sections 27-65-75
and 27-67-31, Mississippi Code of 1972:
On-campus and off-campus support of Alcorn State University,
Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University,
Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University,
University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi for the sum
of........................................ $ 72,873,070.00.
SECTION 10. It is
the intention of the Legislature that the Board of Trustees of State
Institutions of Higher Learning shall first use special funds to the greatest
extent possible to defray the costs of providing remediation at the state-supported
institutions of higher learning.
SECTION 11. None of
the funds appropriated by this act shall be expended for any purpose that is
not actually required or necessary for performing any of the powers or duties
of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, or any of
the powers or duties of any institution under the jurisdiction of the board of
trustees, that are authorized by the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, state or
federal law, or rules or regulations that implement state or federal law.
SECTION 12. It is
the intention of the Legislature that the budget requests of the institutions
for Fiscal Year 2028 shall be submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget
Committee in a format and level of detail comparable to the format and level of
detail provided during the Fiscal Year 2027 budget request process.
SECTION 13. It is
the intention of the Legislature that the Board of Trustees of State
Institutions of Higher Learning continue to review, and eliminate when
possible, duplicating programs and degrees in the existing institutions of
higher learning in this state.
SECTION 14. No state
appropriations or student tuition and fee receipts, except those specifically
charged for the provision of the services, shall be used to support auxiliary
enterprises, with the exception of intercollegiate athletics at a level
designated by the board of trustees. It is the intent of the Legislature that
auxiliary enterprises shall be self-supporting and that deficits not be taken
from funds intended for instruction and academic programs.
SECTION 15. The
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall report yearly
to the Legislature the institution compliance with Section 97-11-51,
Mississippi Code of 1972, which prohibits deficit spending.
SECTION 16. Any
funds appropriated pursuant to this act and paid as a fee to or deposited in a
financial institution shall be in compliance with Section 109 of the
Constitution of the State of Mississippi and Section 25-4-105, Mississippi Code
of 1972.
SECTION 17. In
compliance with the "Mississippi Performance Budget and Strategic Planning
Act of 1994," it is the intent of the Legislature that the funds provided
herein shall be utilized in the most efficient and effective manner possible to
achieve the intended mission of this agency. Based on the funding authorized,
this agency shall make every effort to attain the targeted performance measures
provided below:
FY2027
Performance Measures Target
Instruction
Number of undergraduate
degrees awarded. 12,221
Number of graduate degrees
awarded. 4,592
Number of degrees (Graduate
&
Undergraduate) awarded
in the Education
Field 1,044
Number of undergraduate
degrees awarded
per 100 undergraduate
full-time
equivalent (FTE)
enrollment. 23.20
Number of graduate degrees
awarded per
100 graduate FTE
enrollment. 44.00
Number of students
completing 30 hours 13,915
Number of students
completing 60 hours 10,132
A reporting of the degree to
which the performance targets set above have been or are being achieved shall
be provided in the agency's budget request submitted to the Joint Legislative
Budget Committee for Fiscal Year 2028.
SECTION 18. Of the funds provided herein to the
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the following amount,
or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be allocated equally to Jackson
State University, Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi,
and the University of Southern Mississippi for economic development,
reorganization, and relocation of efforts at those universities.................................... $
2,000,000.00.
SECTION 19. Of the funds provided herein to the
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the following
amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be allocated to Mississippi
State University - Meridian Branch....................................
............................................... $ 900,000.00.
SECTION 20. It is
the intention of the Legislature that whenever two (2) or more bids are
received by this agency for the purchase of commodities or equipment, and
whenever all things stated in such received bids are equal with respect to
price, quality and service, the Mississippi Industries for the Blind shall be
given preference. A similar preference shall be given to the Mississippi
Industries for the Blind whenever purchases are made without competitive bids.
SECTION 21. Of the funds provided herein to the
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the following
amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be allocated to Jackson
State University E-Learning Center.................... $ 485,000.00.
SECTION 22. Of the funds provided herein to the
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the following
amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be allocated to the Delta
State University Workforce and K-12 Teacher Initiative. $ 155,000.00.
SECTION 23. None of
the State General Funds appropriated by this act shall be expended for the
purpose of travel outside the United States.
SECTION 24. Of the funds provided herein to the
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the following sum,
or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be allocated to Delta State
University Department of Commercial Aviation...............................
............................................... $
800,000.00.
SECTION 25. Of the
funds appropriated in Section 1 and Section 2 of this act, One Hundred Ninety-one
Thousand Six Hundred Ten Dollars ($191,610.00) is provided for geospatial site
licenses.
SECTION 26. It is
the intention of the Legislature that none of the funds provided herein shall
be used to pay certain utilities for state-furnished housing for any
employees. Such utilities shall include electricity, natural gas, butane,
propane, cable and phone services. Where actual cost cannot be determined, the
agency shall be required to provide meters to be in compliance with legislative
intent. Such state-furnished housing shall include single-family and
multifamily residences but shall not include any dormitory residences.
Allowances for such utilities shall be prohibited.
SECTION 27. Of the funds provided herein to the Board
of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the following amount
shall be allocated to the Delta State University Delta Center for Culture and
Learning....................................... $ 100,000.00.
The funds allocated in this
section shall only be used for the Delta Center for Culture and Learning.
SECTION 28. Of the funds provided herein to the
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the following
amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be allocated to fund the
Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars Mississippi Initiative
Scholarship Program..................................
............................................... $ 90,000.00.
This program will provide opportunities for
Mississippi's university and college students to gain real-life experience
working in Washington, D.C., and through attending short course Academic
Seminars. The funding will provide scholarships at Alcorn State University,
Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University,
Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University, and the
University of Southern Mississippi. A written report shall be submitted
listing the scholarship recipients by university to the Chairmen of the Senate
and House Appropriations and Universities and Colleges Committees.
SECTION 29. None of
the funds appropriated and/or authorized for expenditure under this act shall
be used for research in which a human embryo is killed or destroyed.
SECTION 30. Of the funds appropriated under the
provisions of Section 1 of this act, an amount not more than One Hundred Twenty-five
Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) shall be allocated to implement university
system efficiencies, including, but not limited to, academic, space, energy and
any other system projects or expenditures that would lead to improved
efficiency. Such funds may also be used to draw down other funds or as
matching funds.
SECTION 31. Of the funds appropriated under the
provisions of Section 1 of this act, Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars
($900,000.00) shall be used to defray the expenses of the Children's Center for
Communication and Development at the University of Southern Mississippi.
SECTION 32. Of the
funds appropriated in Section 1 of this act, the amount of One Million One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,100,000.00) is provided for defraying the expenses
of the DuBard School at the University of Southern Mississippi.
SECTION 33. Of the funds appropriated under the
provisions of Section 1 of this act, Two Hundred Sixty-six Thousand Seven
Hundred Fifty Dollars ($266,750.00) is provided for the Southwest Mississippi
Center for Culture and Learning at Alcorn State University.
SECTION 34.
Of the funds appropriated in Section 1 of this act, it is the intention of the
Legislature that Eight Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($850,000.00) is provided
for the Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi, for
Research and Development opportunities in Science and Technology initiatives.
SECTION 35.
Of the funds appropriated in Section 1 of this act, Three Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($300,000.00) is provided for the Delta State University Delta Music
Institute.
SECTION 36.
Of the funds appropriated in Section 1 of this act, Six Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($600,000.00) is provided for the T.K. Martin Center to study the IDEA
Part C Early Intervention System in Mississippi and Mississippi's Laws
Regarding Early Intervention, as established by Senate Bill 2167, 2023 Regular
Session.
SECTION 37. It is
the intention of the Legislature that Mississippi Valley State University is
authorized to provide water or sewer service to any existing, privately owned
structures that presently take water or sewer service from Mississippi Valley
State University. Furthermore, Mississippi Valley State University is
authorized to charge a flat or metered rate for the service provided.
Mississippi Valley State University shall not provide any water or sewer
service to any new, privately owned structures.
SECTION 38. Of the
funds appropriated in Section 2 of this act, One Million Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($1,500,000.00), shall be derived from funds in the Education
Enhancement Fund deposited pursuant to Sections 27-65-75 and 27-67-31,
Mississippi Code of 1972, and allocated in a manner as determined by the
Treasurer's Office. These funds are provided to Alcorn State University for
STEM-related programs as determined by the university.
SECTION 39. Of the
funds appropriated in Section 2 of this act, One Million Dollars
($1,000,000.00), or so much as necessary, shall be derived from funds in the
Education Enhancement Fund deposited pursuant to Sections 27-65-75 and 27-67-31,
Mississippi Code of 1972, and allocated in a manner as determined by the
Treasurer's Office. These funds are provided to the IHL research institutions
for the purpose of technology transfer and entrepreneurial programs, which may
be connected to the Department of Defense and related federal research in
Mississippi. It is the intent of the Legislature that funds can be used for
both research and upgrades to the physical space in order to perform research
and entrepreneurship.
SECTION 40. Of the funds appropriated in Section
2 of this act, One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00), or so much thereof, is
hereby appropriated out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the
2023 Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom Fund,
as created in Section 37-115-131, Mississippi Code of 1972, and allocated in a
manner as determined by the Treasurer's Office, to support the operations of
the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom
("Center") at the University of Mississippi, subject to the
conditions that the Center shall:
(a) Promote scholarly
research and civic education by exploring the principles of freedom expressed
in our country's founding documents;
(b) Support individual
faculty members at institutions of higher learning who have been named
Declaration Fellows and who actively participate in the Center's network of
scholars and further the mission and principles of the Center;
(c) Support classes,
activities, and internships that advance students' understanding of American
freedom at both the secondary and post-secondary level of education, including
support for the operation of any Freedom Studies minor that may be available
for academic credit at the University of Mississippi, as well as support for
all Freedom Studies courses belonging to this minor; and
(d) Continue to be
governed and advised in accordance with the Center governing structure
described in the last paragraph of the Center mission statement signed by the
Chancellor, Provost and founding Director of the Center and received in the
Office of the Chancellor on March 1, 2023.
SECTION 41. The following sum, or so much thereof
as may be necessary, is reappropriated out of any money in the Education
Enhancement Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the Institutions of Higher
Learning for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of Education
Enhancement Funds to defray the expenses of the Institutions of Higher Learning,
as authorized in Senate Bill 2001, 2025 First
Extraordinary Session, for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027...........................................
................................................ $
9,572,614.00.
This appropriation is made for the purpose of
reauthorizing the expenditure of funds as allocated herein:
(a) University of Mississippi to defray expenses related
to the operations of the Haley Barbour Center for the Study of American
Politics........................................ $ 900,000.00.
(b) University of Mississippi to defray expenses related
to the Healthcare Innovation Tech Hub Infrastructure, Biomedical Innovation,
Nano-Bio Immuno Engineering Consortium (NIEC), Data Science and Artificial
Intelligence........................................
................................................ $ 2,300,000.00.
(c) Mississippi University for Women to defray expenses
related to the expansion of the nursing program.................
................................................ $ 2,472,614.00.
(d) Alcorn State University to defray the expenses
related to the repair, renovation, expansion, construction, furnishing and
equipping of the Davey L. Whitney Complex and Wellness Center $ 3,000,000.00.
(e) IHL research institutions for the purpose of
technology transfer and entrepreneurial programs, which may be connected to the
Department of Defense and related federal research in Mississippi:
Jackson State University.................... $
250,000.00
University of Mississippi................... $ 650,000.00
Notwithstanding the amount reappropriated under this
section, the amount that may be expended under the authority of this section
shall not exceed the unexpended balance of the funds remaining as of June 30,
2026, from the amount authorized for the previous fiscal year. In addition,
this reappropriation shall not change the purpose for which the funds were
originally authorized.
SECTION 42. The following sum, or so much thereof
as may be necessary, is reappropriated out of any money in the Capital Expense
Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the Institutions of Higher Learning for
the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of Capital Expense Funds to defray
the expenses of the Institutions of Higher Learning, as authorized in Senate
Bill 2001, 2025 First Extraordinary Session, for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027............
................................................ $ 2,000,000.00.
This appropriation is made for the purpose of
reauthorizing the expenditure of funds for the University of Southern
Mississippi Ocean Enterprise – Gulfport.
Notwithstanding the amount reappropriated under this
section, the amount that may be expended under the authority of this section
shall not exceed the unexpended balance of the funds remaining as of June 30,
2026, from the amount authorized for the previous fiscal year. In addition,
this reappropriation shall not change the purpose for which the funds were
originally authorized.
SECTION 43. The following sum, or so much thereof
as may be necessary, is reappropriated out of any money in the Education
Enhancement Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the Institutions of Higher
Learning for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of Education
Enhancement Funds to defray the expenses of the Institutions of Higher
Learning, as authorized in Senate Bill 2001, 2025 First Extraordinary Session,
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending
June 30, 2027...........................................
............................................... $
3,731,137.00.
This appropriation is made for
the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of funds as allocated herein:
(a) Delta State University – Commercial Aviation
Department to defray expenses related to the construction and/or repair and
renovation of hangers and classrooms, the purchase of flight simulators,
training equipment, and the purchase and/or refurbishment of aircraft.... $
1,000,000.00.
(b) Mississippi University for Women to defray expenses
related to capital needs, construction, and/or repair and renovation projects....................................... $
500,000.00.
(c) Alcorn State University to defray expenses related
to capital needs, construction, and/or repair and renovation projects $ 2,231,137.00.
Notwithstanding the amount reappropriated under this
section, the amount that may be expended under the authority of this section
shall not exceed the unexpended balance of the funds remaining as of June 30,
2026, from the amount authorized for the previous fiscal year. In addition,
this reappropriation shall not change the purpose for which the funds were
originally authorized.
SECTION 44. The following sum, or so much thereof
as may be necessary, is reappropriated out of any money in the Capital Expense
Fund not otherwise appropriated, to the Institutions of Higher Learning for the
purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of Capital Expense Funds to defray the
expenses of the Institutions of Higher Learning, acting through the Bureau of
Building, Grounds and Real Property Management as authorized in Senate Bill
2001, 2025 First Extraordinary Session, for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.....
............................................... $ 2,800,000.00.
This appropriation is made
for the purpose of providing the funds necessary to authorize the expenditure
of funds for the Institutions of Higher Learning as allocated herein:
Alcorn State University to
defray expenses
related to repair and
renovation upgrades
to existing facilities................ $ 2,500,000.00.
MS University of Women to
defray expenses
related to the Painter
Hall
renovation............................ $ 300,000.00.
Notwithstanding the amount
reappropriated under this section, the amount that may be expended under the
authority of this section shall not exceed the unexpended balance of the funds
remaining as of June 30, 2026, from the amount authorized for the previous
fiscal year. In addition, this reappropriation shall not change the purpose
for which the funds were originally authorized.
SECTION 45. The following sum, or so much thereof
as may be necessary, is reappropriated out of any money in the Education
Enhancement Fund not otherwise appropriated, for the Institutions of Higher
Learning for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of Education
Enhancement Funds to defray the expenses of the Institutions of Higher
Learning, as authorized in Senate Bill 2001, 2025 First Extraordinary Session,
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending
June 30, 2027...........................................
............................................... $
1,325,190.00.
This appropriation is made
for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of funds as allocated herein:
Delta State University to
defray the costs
associated with
designing, constructing,
maintaining, and
operating a model rural
education school in a
partnership with
the Cleveland School
District to serve
PreK through sixth-grade
students from
Bolivar County ....................... $ 1,325,190.00.
Notwithstanding the amount
reappropriated under this section, the amount that may be expended under the
authority of this section shall not exceed the unexpended balance of the funds
remaining as of June 30, 2026, from the amount authorized for the previous
fiscal year. In addition, this reappropriation shall not change the purpose
for which the funds were originally authorized.
SECTION 46. The following sum, or so much thereof
as may be necessary, is reappropriated out of any money in the General Fund not
otherwise appropriated, for the Institutions of Higher Learning for the purpose
of reauthorizing the expenditure of General Funds to defray the expenses of the
Institutions of Higher Learning, as authorized in Senate Bill 2001, 2025 First
Extraordinary Session, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending
June 30, 2027. $ 250,000.00.
This appropriation is made
for the purpose of reauthorizing the expenditure of funds as allocated herein:
(a) DuBard School at the University of Southern
Mississippi..................................... $ 200,000.00.
(b) T.K. Martin Center to study the IDEA Part C Early
Intervention System in Mississippi and Mississippi's Laws Regarding Early
Intervention.................................... $ 50,000.00.
Notwithstanding the amount
reappropriated under this section, the amount that may be expended under the
authority of this section shall not exceed the unexpended balance of the funds
remaining as of June 30, 2026, from the amount authorized for the previous
fiscal year. In addition, this reappropriation shall not change the purpose
for which the funds were originally authorized.
SECTION 47. (1) It is the intention of the
Legislature that the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher
Learning shall:
(a) Report, by July 1, 2026, the methodology of and
basis for the calculation and distribution of general fund and special fund
monies, including any federal monies, appropriated by the Mississippi
Legislature to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
for fiscal year 2026 for the purpose of support of each of the eight (8) IHL
institutions.
(b) Report, by December 1, 2026, the Board of Trustees
of the State Institutions of Higher Learning's analysis and recommendations to
address the population shifts within the state, the declining national birth
rate, and the pending enrollment cliff's impact on all IHL institutions.
(c) Report, by December 1, 2026, the Board of Trustees
of State Institutions of Higher Learning's analysis and recommendations to
address graduation rate disparities and how to improve graduation rates across
all IHL institutions.
(d) Report, by
December 1, 2026, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher
Learning's analysis and recommendations from each university to address student
attainment and degree completion rate disparities and how to improve graduation
rates for four (4) academic years by first-time, full-time degree-seeking students
and for six (6) academic years first-time, full-time degree-seeking students. The
analysis should include the one-year retention rate for first-time, full-time
degree-seeking students in comparison to the national rate.
(2) The reports required by
this section shall be made to the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the
House, the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, and the
Legislative Budget Office.
SECTION 48. It is
the intention of the Legislature that the funds herein appropriated shall be
expended in compliance with Section 27-104-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, that
no state agency shall incur obligations or indebtedness in excess of their
appropriation and that the responsible officers, either personally or upon
their official bonds, shall be held responsible for actions contrary to this
provision.
SECTION 49. Of the funds appropriated in Section
2 of this act, Twelve Million Thirteen Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-eight
Dollars ($12,013,848.00), or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be
derived out of any money in the State Treasury to the credit of the Education
Enhancement Fund and deposited pursuant to Sections 27-65-75 and 27-67-31,
Mississippi Code of 1972. These funds are provided for the equivalent of a Two
Thousand Dollar ($2,000.00) salary increase for all professors and adjunct
professors at the eight (8) universities, at the discretion of the
Institutional Executive Officer.
SECTION 50. Of the funds appropriated in Section
2 of this act, Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000.00), or so much as necessary,
shall be derived from funds in the Education Enhancement Fund deposited
pursuant to Sections 27-65-75 and 27-67-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, and
allocated in a manner as determined by the Treasurer's Office, to defray the
expenses of the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and the Executive Office
of the Board of Trustees, acting through the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real
Property Management, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June
30, 2027................
............................................... $ 40,000,000.00.
This appropriation is made for the purpose of providing
the funds necessary to authorize the expenditure of funds for construction
and/or repair and renovation projects for the Institutions of Higher Learning
and the Executive Office of the Board of Trustees. It is the intention of the
Legislature that the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
may use, at its discretion, an amount not to exceed Six Million Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($6,500,000.00) of the funds appropriated in this section for
the purpose of repairing roads and parking lots, improving drainage, and
repairing structural damage at the IHL – Education and Research Center in
Jackson, Mississippi. The remaining funds appropriated in this section shall
be allocated among the universities as follows: fifty percent (50%) based on
total building square footage and fifty percent (50%) based on the in-person
student enrollment for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
SECTION 51. Of the funds appropriated under the
provisions of Section 2 of this act, One Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars
($1,400,000.00) shall be derived from the Opioid Settlement Fund as created in
Section 27-103-305, for the following universities. These abatement funds
provided in this section shall be allocated as follows:
(a) Mississippi State University for training on opioid
overdose reversal medications and treatment options for problematic opioid
substance use............................. $ 700,000.00.
(b) University of Mississippi to establish a statewide
data repository and dashboard to track opioid and polysubstance
use............................................. $
700,000.00.
SECTION 52. As a condition of receiving and
expending the funds appropriated to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions
of Higher Learning under Section 51, a recipient designated under this section
shall certify in writing and under oath to the Board of Trustees of State
Institutions of Higher Learning that no contract of compensation dependent on
the success or failure of legislation or executive action prohibited under
Section 5-8-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, has been entered into by the
recipient, with any individual or entity, in pursuance of such funding. None
of the funds appropriated by this act shall be disbursed to a recipient or used
by a recipient who fails to make such certification or is found to be in
violation of such certification.
SECTION 53. The money herein appropriated shall
be paid by the State Treasurer out of any money in the State Treasury to the
credit of the proper fund or funds as set forth in this act, upon warrants
issued by the State Fiscal Officer; and the State Fiscal Officer shall issue
his warrants upon requisitions signed by the proper person, officer or
officers, in the manner provided by law.
SECTION 54. This act
shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2026.Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.