MS HB1786

Establishes the Technology Instruction and Digital Access to Learning (TIDAL) Act to provide financial and technical assistance to school districts and charter schools for distance learning and online instruction through a grant program funded with $200,000,000.

Requires the State Department of Education to create an Express Products List (EPL) of approved technology devices and software and allows school districts and charter schools to select from approved options or purchase equivalent products at lower prices upon department approval.

Mandates that school districts and charter schools issue Wi-Fi or LTE enabled electronic devices to all public K-12 students by November 30, 2020, and implement approved digital learning programs with individualized school-to-home connectivity plans.

Requires participating school districts and charter schools to contribute 20% of their Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds as matching funds to be eligible for state grant funding.

Amends Section 31-7-13 to exempt state agencies, local school districts, and charter schools from competitive bidding requirements for COVID-19 related technology purchases, and allows charter schools to sell computers to graduating seniors at $1.00 or $75.00 depending on college acceptance verification.