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 2708 requires healthcare providers in Mississippi to screen new mothers for postpartum depression within six weeks of birth. It mandates that health insurance issuers cover this screening without deductibles or copays and prohibits step therapy protocols for FDA-approved depression treatments. The bill also requires hospitals to provide educational materials about maternal mental health to new parents and mandates the state health department to develop resources for providers and patients. These provisions directly affect new mothers, healthcare providers, and insurers across Mississippi.
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 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.
Maddy summarySB 3037 authorizes Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, reconstruction, and restoration of the Poultry Sciences Academic Research Center at Alcorn State University. The bill directs proceeds from bond sales to a special fund for the center's facility improvements, with the state's full credit backing the bonds. This directly affects Alcorn State University by providing capital for its research facility upgrades. The key mechanism is bond financing - bonds would be sold to investors, with repayment secured by state funds if needed. The bill does not change research policies but enables physical facility investment.
Maddy summarySB 3309 appropriates $70,000 from Mississippi's General Fund to the Town of Centreville for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds directly cover repair and renovation costs for Centreville’s town hall and the purchase of new equipment for its playground. This is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes, solely providing financial support for specific local infrastructure projects. The bill requires the State Treasurer to disburse funds upon proper requisitions and takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 3032 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and upgrades to campus buildings, facilities, and infrastructure at Alcorn State University's Lorman, Vicksburg, and Natchez campuses. The bonds, backed by the full faith and credit of the state, would be sold by the State Bond Commission, with proceeds deposited into a dedicated fund for these specific campus improvements. This bill directly affects Alcorn State University's three campuses by providing dedicated funding for physical infrastructure upgrades.
Maddy summarySB 3034 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds specifically for preplanning costs associated with repairing, renovating, and upgrading the Walter Washington Administration and Classroom Building at Alcorn State University. The bill establishes a process for the State Bond Commission to issue, sell, and manage these bonds, with proceeds deposited into a dedicated special fund. The direct beneficiary is Alcorn State University, as the funds will cover preplanning expenses for the building improvements. This is a funding mechanism bill focused solely on enabling future construction planning, not on the construction itself.