MS HB16

Waives tuition and mandatory student fees at Mississippi public community and junior colleges for full-time and part-time students who are current foster children, former wards of the state, or children adopted after age nine.

Requires students to maintain a 2.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and meet entrance requirements for eligibility.

Limits waiver eligibility to a maximum of 60 collegiate semester credit hours, with entrance required within two years of high school graduation or GED receipt and participation for up to three years after first admission.

Mandates the Department of Child Protection Services to confirm student eligibility upon college request and report participant numbers annually to the Mississippi Community College Board and Legislature.

Requires the Mississippi Community College Board to promulgate rules for program administration and report annual graduation rates of participating students to the Legislature.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.