MS SB2959

Appropriates $29,578,808.00 from the State General Fund to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for financial aid scholarship, loan, and grant programs for fiscal year 2013 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013).

Authorizes $3,100,000.00 from federal funds, grants, donations, and special source funds for the same financial aid programs, including GEAR UP Mississippi Scholarship Program matching funds.

Limits out-of-state educational program funding to 11 new optometry students, 10 new chiropractic students (25 total), and returning osteopathic medical students, excluding medicine and dentistry students entering out-of-state schools after July 1, 1982.

Requires annual reporting to the Legislature detailing number of recipients, total awards, average award amounts, repayment status, and student cohort information for all grant, scholarship, and loan programs.

Prohibits institutions from issuing transcripts to any person with arrears on student loan repayment.