Mississippi House Bill HB230

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/23
• Refer: 1/5/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

In-state tuition; provide that 12 months of residency in MS shall constitute eligibility for.

Impact

The bill modifies existing laws to define what constitutes residency for tuition purposes. For minors under twenty-one, the residence will generally be that of their parents or guardians, provided those guardians have resided in Mississippi for at least twelve months. For individuals over twenty-one, proof of continuous residency in the state for the same time frame will be required before enrollment. This change is intended to facilitate clarity on who qualifies for in-state tuition, impacting both higher education institutions and students seeking to reduce their education costs.

Summary

House Bill 230 proposes amendments to sections of the Mississippi Code concerning residency requirements for in-state tuition rates at state-supported institutions of higher learning and community colleges. Specifically, it establishes a minimum residency period of twelve months for students seeking in-state tuition status. This legislation aims to clarify the residency criteria for both minors and adults as they enroll in higher education institutions in Mississippi, ensuring a straightforward standard for tuition classification.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB230 is its strict definition of residency, which may affect students who have recently moved to Mississippi for educational opportunities. There may be concerns about fairness for students who may have lived in Mississippi for a shorter duration or those who graduate from state high schools but do not meet the twelve-month residency requirement. Critics could argue that the bill may unintentionally exclude deserving individuals from affordable education opportunities.