MS SB2955

Appropriates $31,924,330.00 from the State General Fund to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for support of designated institutes, laboratories, and programs for fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018).

Appropriates an additional $48,032,182.00 from federal, student fees, and other special source funds to the Board of Trustees for the same designated institutes and programs.

Allocates specific funding amounts from general and special funds to 15+ institutes and programs including the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems ($4,283,676 general funds), Gulf Coast Research Laboratory ($7,578,009 general funds), Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences ($3,058,808 general funds), and others.

Requires the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory to cease providing services from appropriated funds when a client has charges more than 90 days past due, and mandates the Board of Trustees report yearly on any institution not in compliance with deficit spending prohibitions.

Directs that $175,000 from Gulf Coast Research Laboratory state funds be allocated for Sea Grant matching in fiscal year 2018, with proportional reductions applied if the Governor orders budget cuts.