MS SB2174

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

Requires interns to be full-time third-year students who receive no pay or benefits, work in existing Capitol Building facilities, and do not perform duties assigned to full-time legislative employees.

Limits internship assignments to one semester with optional extension for a second semester, with schedules mutually agreed upon by the legislator and student while accommodating the student's academic calendar.

Interns receive a Capitol Building badge permitting access to work areas but not the Senate or House floor during open session; sponsoring legislators must complete evaluation forms used for grading purposes.

Program begins in the 2016 Regular Session with policies jointly adopted by the Senate Rules Committee and House Management Committee; takes effect July 1, 2015.