MS HB525

Establishes a program within the State Department of Education to provide funding to school districts for improvements to vocational and technical education programs.

Creates a special fund called the "2018 Public School Vocational and Technical Education Fund" to be maintained separately from the General Fund, with unexpended amounts and interest earnings retained in the fund.

Requires school districts seeking funds to submit applications that include the dollar amount requested, detailed description of improvements needed, justification with enrollment documentation, evidence of program success in student employment, and any other information required by the State Board of Education.

Authorizes the issuance of up to $10,000,000 in state general obligation bonds to fund the program, with the amount reduced by any legislative appropriations, with bonds not to be issued after July 1, 2022.

Specifies that bonds are general obligations of the State of Mississippi backed by full faith and credit, are tax-exempt, and may mature up to 25 years from issuance with interest rates subject to state law limits.