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Bill > HB432
MS HB432
MS HB432Tuition waiver; provide for certain foster and adopted children and wards of the state to attend a state-supported IHL.
summary
Introduced
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
In Committee
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Waive The Cost Of Tuition At Any State Institution Of Higher Learning For Certain Foster Or Adopted Children Or Wards Of The State, Subject To Certain Conditions; To Require The Department Of Human Services, Upon The Request Of A State Institution Of Higher Learning, To Confirm The Eligibility Of Those Students Seeking To Participate In The Waiver Program; To Require Students To Complete The Free Application For Federal Student Aid To Determine The Level Of Need And Eligibility For State And Federal Financial Aid Programs; To Establish The Requirements For Eligibility; To Require The Department And The Board Of Trustees Of State Institutions Of Higher Learning To Make Reports To The Legislature On Certain Components Of The Tuition Waiver Program; To Require The Board To Promulgate Rules And Regulations Necessary For The Proper Administration Of The Program; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill aims to provide tuition waivers for foster children, adopted children, and wards of the state who wish to attend state-supported institutions of higher learning in Mississippi. The bill defines eligible students as those under 21 years old who are or were in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services, either through foster care, adoption, or state wardship. To qualify, students must meet entrance requirements, maintain a 2.25 GPA, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The tuition waiver covers mandatory fees for associate degree programs and is available for up to four years after high school graduation, with a maximum of five years of attendance and 120 semester credit hours. Students must be full-time or part-time, and the waiver will be reduced if total financial assistance exceeds the cost of attendance. The bill does not guarantee college acceptance or cover room and board costs. The Department of Human Services and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning are required to provide annual reports to the Legislature about program participation and graduation rates. The program is designed to support educational opportunities for children who have been in state care, recognizing the unique challenges they face in pursuing higher education. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0432.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/HB/0400-0499/HB0432IN.htm |
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