MS SB2279

Creates the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) Formula Review Commission to review and recommend revisions to how MAEP budgets are calculated, with emphasis on health insurance and special education costs.

Commission membership includes the Chairmen of Senate and House Education Committees (co-chairs), Chairmen of Senate and House Appropriations Committees, State Superintendent of Education, State Board of Education Chairman, Governor or designee, and three Governor-appointed members (one school board member, one teacher, one school business official).

Commission shall conduct public hearings across state regions and solicit public input before finalizing recommendations for potential legislation to revise the MAEP formula.

Commission must file its report by December 1, 2016, to the Legislature, Governor, and State Board of Education, and may continue operating for up to four years to make additional recommendations.

Non-legislative members receive mileage and expense reimbursement; legislative members are paid from their respective houses' contingent expense funds for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session.