Mississippi House Bill HB559

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/24/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

Spouse and children of first responders killed in the line of duty; provide scholarship for attendance at postsecondary institutions.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly impact state laws by creating a new pathway for educational funding that recognizes and addresses the challenges faced by families of first responders. Eligible individuals must meet specific criteria, including not having reached the age of twenty-three at the start of the semester to receive benefits. Furthermore, the scholarship will only remain valid if the child maintains satisfactory academic progress, which highlights the state's intention to encourage educational commitment among recipients. This legislative change reinforces the notion of supporting those who serve the community and could influence related state educational policies regarding scholarships and funding.

Summary

House Bill 559 amends Section 37-106-39 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to establish scholarships for the spouses and children of first responders who were killed in the line of duty or who have become permanently and totally disabled due to injuries sustained while performing their duties. The legislation aims to provide educational support in the form of an eight-semester scholarship without cost for any state-supported college or university within Mississippi. This act emphasizes the state's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by first responders and ensuring that their families have the opportunity for higher education.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention related to the criteria for eligibility set forth in the bill. Critics could argue that the requirement for a child to achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5 for renewal could limit access for some families who might benefit from financial assistance but struggle academically. Additionally, the exclusion of benefits for individuals injured or killed due to self-inflicted wounds could spark debate regarding the fairness and implications of such restrictions. Overall, discussions around the bill may reflect broader societal views on the responsibilities owed to first responders and their families.