MS HB1277

Creates the "Mississippi Dual Credit Scholarship Program Act of 2023" to be administered by the Mississippi Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board, providing scholarships for eligible high school students taking dual credit courses at participating institutions.

Establishes reimbursement rate of 40% of average community college credit hour tuition for participating institutions and limits eligible students to funding for up to 15 dual credit semester credit hours prior to high school graduation.

Requires all participating institutions and students to adhere to guidelines in the Procedures Manual for the State of Mississippi Dual Enrollment and Accelerated Programs, with only courses on the "Approved Academic Dual Credit Listing" eligible for funding.

Excludes early college students and dual enrolled students from program participation, and requires all participating students to complete an advising component related to the Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool (MATT).

Allows the board to limit scholarship applications and awards if state appropriation is insufficient, authorizes the board to receive 1% of annual appropriations for administrative expenses, and allows unexpended balances to carry over to the next fiscal year rather than lapse into the general fund.