MS HB1449

Creates a study committee to assess the feasibility of establishing a universal Educational Scholarship Accounts (ESA) program for kindergarten through grade 12 students in Mississippi.

Committee must report to the 2025 Regular Session on ESA system viability for all students, implementation costs based on enrollment projections, fiscal impact on existing education funding formulas, and potential constitutional or legal issues.

Committee composition includes seven members: two appointed by the Speaker of the House (including House Education Committee Chairman), two by the Lieutenant Governor (including Senate Education Committee Chairman), and three by the Governor representing a public school superintendent, private school representative, and business community member.

Committee appointments must be made within 30 days of the act's effective date with the first meeting held before August 1, 2024; members receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for mileage and expenses.

Act takes effect July 1, 2024 and automatically repeals June 30, 2025.