Maddy summarySB 2344 requires students at Mississippi's public colleges and universities to complete a financial literacy course (at least one credit hour) as a graduation requirement, starting fall 2027. The course must cover practical topics like budgeting, debt management, student loans, taxes, and retirement planning, using real-world simulations rather than commercial content. Institutions can deliver the course through various formats (online, embedded in other classes, etc.) and allow prior coursework to satisfy the requirement if it meets standards set by the Board of Trustees or Mississippi Community College Board. This applies to all state institutions of higher learning and community colleges, but does not automatically accept high school financial literacy courses unless they meet postsecondary standards. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2522 creates the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant Program, providing tuition-free access to community college certificate or associate degree programs for Mississippi residents pursuing training in high-demand fields. The program targets occupations identified by Accelerate Mississippi (the state's workforce office) as critical for economic growth, requiring colleges to offer support services like academic advising and career planning. Administered by the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, it will launch in phases starting with a 2027 pilot, covering tuition/fees after other aid, plus a $500 annual book stipend, for eligible residents meeting residency, education, and enrollment requirements.
Maddy summarySB 2446, the HOPE Act, requires Mississippi nurses applying for or renewing licenses to complete one hour of human trafficking training with a trauma-informed curriculum by January 1, 2027. It mandates nurses to report suspected trafficking involving minors to Child Protection Services and suspected cases involving adults to law enforcement only when a victim is in imminent danger, after confirming consent, or as legally required. The bill directly affects all nurses licensed under the Mississippi Board of Nursing, aiming to improve identification and response to trafficking. It does not change existing sex offender registration requirements for human trafficking convictions, which are covered under a separate amendment in Section 4.
Maddy summaryThis bill limits charter schools' right to purchase or lease closed public school buildings in their district to a 12-month window after closure. It requires school districts to wait six months before allowing other entities (like libraries, colleges, or community organizations) to bid on the property, unless charter schools have formally declined the opportunity. The bill also adds rules for school boards to approve alternative uses of repurposed property (e.g., community centers or cultural spaces) and mandates that sale or lease contracts include procedures for seeking such approvals. These changes directly affect charter schools, school districts, and potential new users of closed school facilities.
Maddy summarySB 2203 designates Mississippi's Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Bureau of Building as the central leasing agent for all state agencies needing office space, effective January 1, 2027. It requires agencies to get DFA's approval before leasing private buildings and mandates they use available state-owned buildings first, only turning to private leases when necessary. The bill establishes DFA's authority to negotiate all leases, set office space standards, consolidate agencies to reduce costs, and create a standard lease form. This directly affects all state agencies (excluding military, universities, and community colleges) by centralizing their real estate decisions under DFA.
Maddy summarySB 2050 requires political campaigns in Mississippi to clearly disclose when advertisements use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate images, audio, or video content. It applies to any ad for candidates, committees, or ballot measures that uses AI to create visuals or audio, including social media ads and video content. The law mandates specific disclaimers: for audio ads, a 3-second spoken notice; for video, a 4-second on-screen text notice in readable size; and for text/graphic ads, a clear statement in prominent text. Exemptions include bona fide news broadcasts, but failure to disclose can result in civil penalties.
Maddy summarySB 2419 authorizes Mississippi's Office of Workforce Development to create and manage a childcare tuition assistance program for state employees. The bill directly affects state employees who need childcare, providing financial support to cover their children's childcare costs. Key provisions require the Office of Workforce Development to implement this program as part of its existing duties under workforce development law. The program aims to support state workers by reducing childcare expenses, aligning with broader workforce support initiatives. This is a concrete policy change focused on employee benefits, not a procedural measure.
Maddy summarySB 3042 authorizes Mississippi to issue 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 bill directs bond proceeds to a special fund for the center's development, with the state pledging its full credit for repayment. This funding mechanism directly affects Alcorn State University as the recipient of the facility, which will serve as an outreach center for STEAM education. The bill does not create new policies but enables financing for a specific campus infrastructure project.
Maddy summarySB 2947 appropriates $200,000 from Mississippi's General Fund to the Town of Bude for police equipment purchases. The funds are specifically designated for the fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) to cover the cost of police vehicles, cameras, and related equipment. This bill directly affects the Town of Bude's police department by providing state funding for operational resources, with no additional policy provisions or voting records involved.
Maddy summarySB 3041 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund the construction, equipment, and furnishing of a hydroponics research and teaching greenhouse at Alcorn State University. The bonds, backed by the state's full credit, will be sold by the State Bond Commission, with proceeds dedicated solely to this greenhouse project. This bill directly affects Alcorn State University by providing funding for a new facility focused on soilless plant-growing research and education.