Bill > HB814

This bill amends the Higher Education Legislative Plan Grant Program by removing the requirement that high school counselors or school officials certify a student's completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) for grant eligibility. The bill revises the definition of "family" and adjusts income thresholds for Pell Grant fund eligibility. Specifically, the bill eliminates the previous definition that was based on the number of children under 21 and replaces it with a simpler definition based on family size. For families of three or fewer members, the annual adjusted gross income limit is set at $42,500, and for larger families, the limit increases by $5,000 for each additional family member. The bill also removes the age-specific language about children and simplifies the financial need verification process by relying on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, the bill modifies language related to grant eligibility, requiring students to be deemed eligible for a federal Pell grant before receiving state funds. These changes aim to make the grant program more accessible and straightforward for students seeking higher education assistance in Mississippi. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0814.xml