School districts; require boards to adopt policy granting cost-free admission to school-sponsored athletic and extracurricular events.

HB 486 requires Mississippi public school districts to adopt a policy granting all school district employees (both instructional and noninstructional) free admission to school-sponsored athletic and extracurricular events governed by the Mississippi High School Activities Association. The policy must be included in employment contracts as part of an employee’s compensation and applies only to the employee, not to family members or others. School boards must implement this policy starting with the 2026-2027 school year, effective July 1, 2026. This bill directly affects school employees by providing a non-monetary benefit tied to their employment.