MS HB1254

Establishes the Mississippi JROTC Promise Grant Program to provide last-dollar scholarships covering tuition costs at Mississippi community colleges and regionally accredited nonprofit two-year colleges for eligible high school graduates.

Requires applicants to be Mississippi residents, high school graduates within 2 years with minimum 2.5 GPA, have completed the College Preparatory Curriculum, completed at least 1 credit of JROTC or National Defense Cadet Corps, be registered voters, and have no criminal record except misdemeanor traffic violations.

Requires scholarship recipients to maintain Mississippi residency, make steady academic progress with full-time enrollment, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA after the first year, and continue enrollment for at least 2 semesters or 3 quarters annually unless waived for medical or personal leave.

Limits scholarship duration to a maximum of 4 semesters or 6 trimesters and requires grants to be credited first to tuition with total aid (including other scholarships) not exceeding tuition costs.

Assigns the Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board to administer the program and promulgate implementing rules; takes effect July 1, 2024.