Bill > SB2603

This bill establishes the "HBCU Equity Fund" in the State Treasury, a dedicated fund separate from the General Fund, to address financial disparities and improve facilities and programs at Mississippi's public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), specifically Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, and Mississippi Valley State University. The fund, which will be managed by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, will be used to close documented gaps in operating funding, cover deferred maintenance and capital needs, and support academic programs, research, and student services, with the goal of ensuring per-student operating support for these institutions is at least equal to that of non-HBCU public universities by Fiscal Year 2027. The bill mandates a biennial assessment of HBCU facilities to prioritize funding for repairs, modernization, and infrastructure improvements, and allows for competitive grants to support initiatives like student retention, workforce development programs, and the expansion of graduate studies, with funding sources including legislative appropriations, bond proceeds, federal funds, and private donations.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2603.xml