Assistant teachers; increase minimum base pay to $20,000.00.

HB 996 would raise the minimum annual pay for Mississippi's K-3 assistant teachers from an unspecified prior amount to $20,000, effective for the 2026-2027 school year. The bill directly affects assistant teachers in kindergarten through third grade, who currently assist licensed teachers under supervision in classrooms. It requires school districts to fund these positions at the new minimum rate, with potential future adjustments based on state revenue growth. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and has not become law.