MS SB2001

Appropriates $376,509,458 from State General Fund to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026) for support, maintenance, and repairs at eight state universities: Alcorn State, Delta State, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi.

Appropriates $1,092,141,241 from federal, student fees, and special source funds for education and general operations of the eight universities for fiscal year 2026.

Allocates $1,500,000 from the Ayers Endowment interest fund to Alcorn State ($424,500), Jackson State ($651,000), and Mississippi Valley State ($424,500) universities.

Directs specific funding allocations including $145,000 for the Mississippi Governor's School for the Gifted and Talented, $349,200 for the Teacher Corps, $2,000,000 for economic development at four universities, and various institution-specific projects (E-learning centers, aviation programs, research centers, and capital improvements).

Requires the Board of Trustees to report by July 1, 2025 on funding distribution methodology for fiscal years 2020-2025, and by December 1, 2025 on analysis of population shifts, enrollment trends, and graduation rate disparities.