MS SB2884

Establishes the voluntary Equity in Distance Learning Grant Program administered by the Mississippi Department of Education to assist schools with purchasing technology devices, hardware, and related equipment for distance learning and safe classroom instruction.

Requires participating schools to provide a pro rata matching share of total equipment costs based on the combined equipment purchase cost across all participating school districts, using available ESSER, ESSER II, or ESSER III federal funds.

Directs the Department of Education to conduct a statewide technology needs-assessment survey of school districts and annually revise the Express Product List (EPL) of approved vendors and technology products to provide schools with device selection options.

Appropriates $10,000,000.00 from the State General Fund or Budget Contingency Fund (or combination thereof) as an initial appropriation to the Equity in Distance Learning Fund.

Requires the Department to submit annual comprehensive reports to legislative leadership by December 31 on fund usage and the effectiveness of school distance learning plans.