MS HB879

Requires the Department of Finance and Administration to receive classroom supply procurement cards from vendors by July 1 and issue them to eligible teachers on August 1 before the school year begins.

Expands eligibility for procurement cards to include teachers employed by university-based programs and full- and part-time gifted and special education teachers.

Changes classroom supply fund allocation from a percentage-based formula (9.61%) to a fixed amount of $25,000,000.00 annually.

Increases the percentage of Education Enhancement Funds allocated to the Adequate Education Program (MAEP) from 16.61% to 26.22%.

Requires unexpended procurement card balances to expire on December 31 each year and be reallocated to STEM, arts, and gifted teachers on January 31 of the second term.