MS HB1612

Authorizes issuance of up to $15 million in state general obligation bonds to fund vocational and technical education improvements in public school districts, with no bonds to be issued after July 1, 2020

Creates the "2016 Public School Vocational and Technical Education Fund" within the State Treasury to receive bond proceeds and disburse funds to eligible school districts

Eligible uses of funds include expanding vocational facilities, repairing or purchasing equipment, training instructors in new technology, and hiring additional vocational teachers to meet enrollment demands or support new/expanding industry

Requires school districts to submit applications including specific funding amounts, detailed improvement descriptions, justification of need based on enrollment data, and evidence of program success in preparing students for employment

Bonds mature within 25 years, bear interest within statutory limits, are tax-exempt in Mississippi, and are backed by the full faith and credit of the state