MS SB2963

Establishes a Legislative Internship Program administered by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning allowing third-year students from Mississippi state universities to work for Senate or House members and receive academic credit.

Interns receive no pay or benefits, must be full-time students in their third year, and work in available Capitol Building facilities without requiring new resources.

Interns work under a schedule mutually agreed with their assigned legislator, may not perform functions of full-time legislative employees, and assignments last one semester with option to extend to a second semester.

Assigned legislators must complete evaluation forms used for grading purposes, and interns receive Capitol Building badges permitting access to working areas but not to the Senate or House floor during open session.

Program begins in the 2011 Regular Session with policies jointly adopted by the Senate Rules Committee and House Management Committee, effective July 1, 2010.