SB 3189 appropriates $10 million from Mississippi's General Fund to the Union School District for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026), covering costs for workforce development projects and specific programs. The bill allocates $500,000 to Digital Media, $600,000 to Information Technology Computer Science, $1 million to Logistics and Transportation, and $2.9 million to Construction Trades programs. It directly affects the Union School District by funding these targeted educational initiatives for students. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.
HB 1249 increases court filing fees for civil cases in Mississippi to fund two specific state funds. It adds a $25 fee per civil filing into the Comprehensive Electronic Court Systems Fund (for technology upgrades) and a $50 fee into the Judicial System Operation Fund (for court administration). These fees apply to all civil cases filed between 2024 and 2027, including common cases like divorces, property disputes, and adoptions (excluding those involving child protection services). The bill directly affects individuals and entities filing civil lawsuits in Mississippi chancery courts, with the funds supporting electronic court systems and judicial operations.
HB 1793 proposed allocating $1.5 million from Mississippi's state general fund to Alcorn State University for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to improve its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) campus facilities and academic programs. The bill would have provided direct funding specifically for Alcorn State University's science, technology, math, and medical-related initiatives. It was referred to the Appropriations Committee but died there on February 26, 2025, meaning it did not become law. This was a funding measure, not a policy change, and would have directly benefited Alcorn State University's STEM offerings.
This bill proposes amending Mississippi's existing Mississippi Virtual Public School Program framework. It would establish the program under the State Department of Education, requiring it to operate as a public school with equitable resources, free enrollment for all Mississippi-resident students meeting residency requirements, and state/local funding for instructional materials and technology access. Private providers could be selected through a formal process to manage the program, while teachers must meet Mississippi licensure standards. The bill focuses on expanding virtual learning options to address achievement gaps and low-performing school districts, without creating new funding mechanisms.
HB 65 would have provided $50,000 from the Mississippi State General Fund to the City of Jackson to cover specific improvements at Livingston Park during fiscal year 2025-2026. The funds were allocated as $20,000 for general facility construction/repair and $30,000 specifically for broadband infrastructure enhancements at the park. The bill directly affected Jackson's city government and Livingston Park users by funding physical upgrades and digital connectivity. However, the bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.
HB 11 establishes the MissCATEE Program, providing free tuition at Mississippi community colleges for career and technical education (CTE) programs leading to associate degrees or industry certifications in high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and IT. It directly affects eligible Mississippi residents aged 18+ with a high school diploma or GED who enroll in approved CTE programs aligned with state workforce needs. Key provisions require participants to commit to working in Mississippi within their field for a period determined by the Office of Workforce Development (Accelerate MS) and to maintain academic progress while completing a FAFSA. The program aims to address documented workforce shortages, prioritize rural communities, and track outcomes through data collection.
SB 2878 proposed authorizing Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund the construction, furnishing, and equipping of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math (STEAM) Outreach Center at Alcorn State University. The bonds, backed by the state's full faith and credit, would be sold to raise money, with proceeds restricted solely to the center project and related costs. The bill specified that bond proceeds must be used exclusively for the STEAM center and that the bonds would be exempt from state taxation. The legislation died in committee in February 2025 without becoming law.
HB 1776 authorizes the Greenwood Utilities Commission to construct and lease dark fiber (unused fiber optic cables) within its service area to improve broadband capacity for residents and businesses. The bill directly affects Greenwood Utilities Commission, enabling it to build this infrastructure to meet digital needs and support economic growth. Key provisions allow the commission to independently decide on construction and leasing terms for the dark fiber network. The bill died in committee in April 2025 and did not become law.
HB 875 would require businesses offering automatic renewals (such as streaming services, gym memberships, or subscription boxes) to clearly explain renewal terms before purchase, obtain explicit consent before charging, and provide an easy online cancellation method. Businesses must send advance notices for trials or price changes, include a prominent cancellation link or email option, and avoid obstructing cancellation with extra steps. This bill directly affects consumers in Mississippi who use subscription services and businesses selling those services. It aims to prevent surprise charges and make canceling subscriptions as simple as signing up. (Note: The bill died on the calendar in February 2025 and did not become law.)
HB 557 prohibits all governmental entities in Mississippi - including state agencies, local governments, and any organizations receiving state funding - from using central bank digital currency (CBDC) for payments, transactions, or other official functions. The bill defines "central bank digital currency" as digital money issued by entities like the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, and clarifies that "money" under state law excludes such digital currencies. It directly affects state and local government operations by blocking the use of CBDC in services like tax collection or public spending. The bill did not advance beyond committee in 2025.
