Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB565

Introduced
1/24/24  
Refer
1/24/24  

Caption

Tuition waiver; provide for certain foster and adopted children and wards of the state to attend a state-supported IHL.

Impact

The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for students to qualify for the tuition waiver, including maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 and being in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services among other conditions. It mandates the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess financial need and eligibility for further financial support. The law also stipulates that the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning will create rules for administering the program, ensuring a structured approach to its implementation.

Summary

House Bill 565, introduced in the Mississippi Legislature, aims to waive tuition costs and mandatory fees for foster children, adopted children, and wards of the state attending state institutions of higher learning. The bill recognizes the challenges faced by these individuals in pursuing postsecondary education and seeks to provide financial support to enhance their opportunities for educational advancement. Through this legislation, the state demonstrates its commitment to supporting families involved in adoption and foster care, with the intention of alleviating the financial burden on those who have experienced unique hardships.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on providing educational opportunities to vulnerable populations, there may be discussions around the state’s capacity to fund such initiatives and how it balances these financial commitments with other educational needs across the state. Concerns may also arise regarding the implementation of the criteria for eligibility, and whether they adequately support all potentially impacted children, especially those who may not meet the clearly defined standards set forth within the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

MS HB1277

Mississippi Dual Credit Scholarship Program; create.

MS SB2487

Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program; establish.

MS SB2521

Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program Act; extend date of repeal.

MS SB2233

Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program; include students of private high schools.

MS HB1283

Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program; revise certain provisions.

MS SB2730

Mississippi Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Scholarship Program; increase eligibility and revise provisions related thereto.

MS HB570

Tuition waiver; provide for certain foster and adopted children and wards of the state to attend college.

MS SB2488

Mississippi Promise Scholarship Act; enact and provide certain provisions of.