MS SB2580

Brings forward Section 37-106-75 (Higher Education Legislative Plan Grant Program) and Section 37-106-29 (Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant Program) for possible amendment by the Legislature.

The HELP Grant Program provides tuition assistance to Mississippi residents pursuing undergraduate degrees at state institutions who meet requirements including a 2.5 high school GPA, ACT score of at least 20, completion of College Preparatory Curriculum, and financial need (family income below $42,500 plus $5,000 per additional child under 21).

The Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $1,000 for juniors and seniors or $500 for freshmen and sophomores at eligible institutions for students whose family income exceeds Pell Grant eligibility thresholds, with requirements including 2.5 high school GPA, ACT score of 15, and maintenance of 2.5 college GPA.

Both programs require students to maintain continuous enrollment of at least two semesters annually, make satisfactory academic progress, and meet financial need criteria; students cannot receive assistance beyond one degree per institution.

The act takes effect July 1, 2023, and is repealed June 30, 2023, indicating this is a temporary vehicle bill for legislative consideration of amendments.