MS HB440

Establishes in-state tuition classification for students from foster care or homeless situations at Mississippi public postsecondary institutions, maintaining this classification until completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Defines "student from a foster home situation" as individuals who graduated from high school/earned GED and spent at least 12 consecutive months in foster care, an independent living program, or were adopted after age 14 through the Mississippi Division of Child Protection Services.

Defines "student from a homeless situation" as individuals under age 24 who graduated from high school/earned GED and currently lack or recently lacked fixed housing as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, with documentation from specified authorities.

Excludes state-funded foster care assistance from being counted as income when calculating financial aid and determining financial need for eligible students.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.