MS HB727

Clarifies that State Textbook Fund monies shall be used specifically for the purchase of textbooks as defined and authorized under Mississippi Code Chapter 37-43.

Expands the definition of "textbook" to include any medium or manual of instruction in electronic format that systematically presents subject principles and serves as a major instructional vehicle.

Authorizes funds from nonpublic schools collected for lost or damaged books to be used for educational technology infrastructure upgrades, hardware purchases, educator training, and electronic textbooks in addition to textbook purchases.

Creates a "Local School District Textbook Carryover Fund" to hold unexpended appropriations allocated to school districts, with funds disbursed back to the respective districts that did not spend them.

Effective July 1, 2012.