reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 154 - STATE LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEM (§§ 37-154-1 — 37-154-3) › Section 37-154-1 - State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS)

(1)
To improve quality of life, education and employment opportunities for all citizens, the appropriate agencies of the State of Mississippi listed in subsection (2) of this section shall develop and maintain a State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS). The system will allow stakeholders and policymakers access data on state residents from birth to the workforce to drive accountability and investment decisions. The system will include data from multiple state agencies and entities. The system will provide decision makers a tool to develop policies to support objectives, including, but not limited to:
(a)
Enabling Mississippians to secure and retain employment and receive better pay after completing training or postsecondary degrees;
(b)
Enabling Mississippi to meet the education and job skill demands of business and industry;
(c)
Developing an early warning system, which allows the state to intervene early, improving the graduation rates in high school and college;
(d)
Identifying teachers, teaching methods and programs that lead to positive student outcomes; and
(e)
Encouraging the sharing of electronic data across educational and other entities.
(2)
Individual state agencies and state entities will send data from their internal system to the Statewide Longitudinal Data System. These initial agencies and entities shall provide data to the SLDS under the provisions developed by the SLDS Governing Board established in Section
37-154-3
:
(a)
Mississippi Department of Education (MDE);
(b)
Mississippi Community College Board;
(c)
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL);
(d)
State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB);
(e)
Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES);
(f)
Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS); and
(g)
State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC).
Any agencies or entities added to SLDS shall provide a representative to the SLDS Governing Board and be governed in the same manner as the initial agencies and entities.
(3)
The system will be based on an existing system currently housed, developed and maintained by the National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center (nSPARC) at Mississippi State University. The initial agencies participating in the SLDS Governing Board and nSPARC have worked collaboratively to secure funding through the United States Department of Education to expand and enhance the capacity of the state's existing technology infrastructure for the purposes of developing the SLDS. The State Data Center, operated by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS), will provide application hosting services for the SLDS until such time the SLDS Governing Board approves that another entity should perform these services.
Laws, 2011, ch. 407, § 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 397, HB 460, 50, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 154 - STATE LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEM (§§ 37-154-1 — 37-154-3) › Section 37-154-3 - Governance

(1)
The SLDS will be governed by a SLDS Governing Board (the board), which shall be composed of a representative from each agency or entity providing data to the system. Each agency or entity will appoint their representative to sit on the Governing Board. For the two (2) years following July 1, 2013, the State Workforce Investment Board Chair will also serve as Chair of the SLDS Governing Board. In subsequent years, the SLDS Governing Board will elect a chair from among its members. The Chair of the SLDS Governing Board will serve a two-year term.
(2)
The SLDS Governing Board shall develop and promulgate all rules and regulations governing the activities of the SLDS in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. The board is authorized to contract with a third party to manage and maintain the system and to insure the policies and procedures developed by the board are enforced.
(3)
The SLDS Governing Board shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following objectives:
(a)
Identifying critical research and policy questions that need to be addressed by education (P-20) and workforce programs;
(b)
Identifying reports and other information that should be available to education and workforce entities and other public stakeholders;
(c)
Developing a funding mechanism for sustaining the system after it is developed;
(d)
Defining and maintaining standards for privacy, confidentiality and security of data; and
(e)
Performing other advisory functions that are necessary for the successful continuation and management of the longitudinal data system.
(4)
Nothing in this chapter shall prevent an individual agency or entity from maintaining control of their agency's individual data.
(5)
All data provided to the SLDS shall be provided in accordance with all local, state and federal laws governing the protection and sharing of such data.
Laws, 2011, ch. 407, § 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-1 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program."
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 1, eff. 7/1/1996.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-3 - Declaration of policy

The Legislature hereby finds and declares as follows:
(a)
Tuition and required fees at institutions of higher education are difficult for many to afford and difficult to predict. As a result, the ability of individuals and families to plan for future educational expenses has been adversely affected.
(b)
It is in the best interest of the citizens of this state to foster higher education in order to provide well-educated citizens.
(c)
It is in the best interest of the citizens of this state to encourage state residents to enroll in institutions of higher education.
(d)
Providing a mechanism to help assure the higher education of the citizens of this state is necessary and desirable for the public health, safety and welfare.
(e)
The purposes of this article are to:
(i)
Provide wide and affordable access to the public institutions of higher education for the residents of this state.
(ii)
Encourage attendance at institutions of higher education and help individuals plan for educational expenses.
(iii)
Provide a program for the advance purchase of tuition and required fees as both a means and an incentive for the citizens of this state to provide for future higher education expenses.
(iv)
Provide a program through which many of the costs associated with postsecondary attendance may be paid in advance and fixed at a guaranteed level for the duration of the undergraduate enrollment.
(v)
Provide for the creation of a trust fund, as an agency and instrumentality of the State of Mississippi, to assist qualified students in financing a portion of the cost of attending institutions of higher education in the State of Mississippi.
(vi)
Encourage timely financial planning for higher education by the creation of prepaid tuition contracts.
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 2, eff. 7/1/1996.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-11 - Types of plans

The board shall make prepaid tuition contracts available for the:
(1)
junior college plan;
(2)
senior college plan; and
(3)
junior-senior college plan.
(a)
Junior College Plan. -
Through the junior college plan, a prepaid tuition contract shall provide tuition and required fees for the beneficiary to attend a public community or junior college for a specified number of undergraduate credit hours not to exceed the typical full-time hourly course load as defined by the institution for tuition payment purposes or up to a maximum of two (2) years required for a certificate or an associate degree awarded by a public community or junior college.
(b)
Senior College Plan. -
Through the senior college plan, a prepaid tuition contract shall provide prepaid tuition and required fees for the beneficiary to attend a public senior college or university for a specified number of undergraduate credit hours not to exceed the typical full-time hourly course load as defined by the institution for tuition payment purposes or up to a maximum of five (5) years required for a baccalaureate degree awarded by a public senior college or university.
(c)
Junior-Senior College Plan. -
Through the junior-senior college plan, a prepaid tuition contract shall provide prepaid tuition and required fees for the beneficiary to attend:
(i)
A public community or junior college for a specified number of undergraduate credit hours not to exceed the typical full-time hourly course load as defined by the institution for tuition payment purposes or up to a maximum of two (2) years required for a person to receive a certificate or associate degree awarded by a public community or junior college; and
(ii)
A public senior college or university for a specified number of credit hours not to exceed the typical full-time hourly course load as defined by the institution for tuition payment purposes or up to a maximum of five (5) years required for the person to receive a baccalaureate degree awarded by a public senior college or university.
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 6; Laws, 1999, ch. 378, § 3, eff. 7/1/1999.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-13 - Dormitory residence plan

Through the dormitory residence plan, the advance payment contract shall provide prepaid housing fees for a maximum of eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate enrollment in an institution of higher education. Dormitory residence plans are optional and may be purchased only in conjunction with a prepaid tuition plan. Dormitory residence plans shall be purchased in increments of two (2) semesters. Beneficiaries shall bear the cost of any additional elective charges such as laundry service or long-distance telephone service. Each institution of higher education may specify the residence halls eligible for inclusion in the plan. In addition, any institution of higher education may request immediate termination of a dormitory contract based on a violation or multiple violations of rules of the residence hall. Beneficiaries shall have the highest priority in the assignment of housing with institutions of higher education residence halls. In the event that sufficient housing is not available for all beneficiaries, the board shall refund the purchaser or beneficiary an amount equal to the fees charged for dormitory residence during that semester.
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 7, eff. 7/1/1996.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-17 - Prepaid tuition contracts; tax exclusions and deductions

Any interest, dividends or gains accruing on the payments made pursuant to a prepaid tuition contract under the terms of this article shall be excluded from the gross income of any such payor or beneficiary for purposes of the Mississippi Income Tax Law. The payor may deduct from taxable income the amount of any payments made under a prepaid tuition contract in the tax year.
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 9; Laws, 1999, ch. 378, § 4, eff. 7/1/1999.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-19 - Duties of the board

In addition to any other requirements of this article the board of directors shall:
(a)
Make available summary information on the financial condition of the trust fund to all purchasers of prepaid college tuition contracts;
(b)
Prepare, or cause to be prepared, an annual accounting of the trust fund and transmit a copy of same to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
(c)
Make all necessary and appropriate arrangements with state colleges and universities in order to fulfill its obligations under the prepaid tuition contracts, which arrangements shall include the payment by the trust fund of current applicable tuition and fee charges on behalf of a beneficiary to the college or university.
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 10, eff. 7/1/1996.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-21 - Statement regarding status of prepaid tuition contract

(1)
The board shall furnish without charge to each purchaser an annual statement of:
(a)
The amount paid by the purchaser under the prepaid tuition contract;
(b)
The number of years originally covered by the contract;
(c)
The number of years remaining under the contract; and
(d)
Any other information the board determines by rule is necessary or appropriate.
(2)
The board shall furnish a statement complying with subsection (1) to a purchaser or beneficiary on written request. The board may charge a reasonable fee for each statement furnished under this subsection.
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 11; Laws, 1999, ch. 378, § 5, eff. 7/1/1999.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-23 - No promise or guarantee of admission

This article is not a promise or guarantee that the beneficiary will be:
(a)
Admitted to any institution of higher education;
(b)
Admitted to a particular institution of higher education after admission;
(c)
Allowed to continue enrollment at an institution of higher education; or
(d)
Graduated from an institution of higher education.
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 12, eff. 7/1/1996.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-25 - Full faith and credit

The state shall agree to meet the obligations of the board to beneficiaries if monies in the fund fail to offset the obligations of the board. If there is not enough money in the fund to pay the tuition and required fees of the institution of higher education in which a beneficiary enrolls as provided by the prepaid tuition contract, the Legislature shall appropriate to the fund the amount necessary for the board to pay the applicable amount of tuition and required fees of the institution.
In the event that the board determines the program to be financially infeasible, the board may discontinue the program. Any qualified beneficiary who has been accepted by and is enrolled or is within five (5) years of enrollment in an institution of higher learning or any in-state or out-of-state regionally accredited private four- or two-year college or an out-of-state regionally accredited, state-supported, nonprofit four- or two-year college or university shall be entitled to exercise the complete benefits for which he has contracted. All other contract holders shall receive a refund, pursuant to Section
37-155-9
, of the amount paid in and an additional amount in the nature of interest at a rate that corresponds, at a minimum, to the prevailing interest rates for savings accounts provided by banks and savings and loan associations.
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 13, eff. 7/1/1996.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI PREPAID AFFORDABLE COLLEGE TUITION (MPACT) › Section 37-155-27 - Severability

The provisions of this article are severable. If any part of this article is declared invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the part which remains.
Laws, 1996, ch. 427, § 14, eff. 7/1/1996.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-101 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Mississippi Affordable College Savings Program."
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 1, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-103 - Declaration of purpose

The following are the purposes of this article:
(a)
To provide a program of savings trust agreements to apply distributions toward qualified higher education expenses at eligible educational institutions, as defined in Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, or other applicable federal law.
(b)
To provide for the creation of a trust fund, as an instrumentality of the State of Mississippi, to assist qualified students in financing costs of attending institutions of higher education.
(c)
To encourage timely financial planning for higher education by the creation of savings trust accounts.
(d)
To provide a choice of programs to persons who determine that the overall educational needs of their families are best suited to a prepaid tuition contract under the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) Program, a savings trust agreement under this article, or both.
(e)
To provide a savings program for those persons who wish to save to meet post secondary educational needs beyond the traditional baccalaureate curriculum.
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 2, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-105 - Definitions

As used in this article, the following words and phrases have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a)
"MACS Program" means the Mississippi Affordable College Savings Program established under this article.
(b)
"MACS Trust Fund" means a special fund in the State Treasury established under Section
37-155-111
, and administered by the Treasury Department.
(c)
"Account owner" means a resident or nonresident person, corporation, trust, charitable organization or other entity which contributes to or invests money in a savings trust account under the MACS Program on behalf of a beneficiary and which is listed as the owner of the savings trust account.
(d)
"Beneficiary" means a resident or nonresident beneficiary of a savings trust agreement who meets the requirements of Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or other applicable federal law, and any regulations established by the board.
(e)
"Institution of higher education" means an eligible educational institution as defined in Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any other applicable federal law.
(f)
"Tuition" means the quarter, semester or term charges and all required fees imposed by an institution of higher education as a condition of enrollment by all students.
(g)
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the College Savings Plans of Mississippi Trust Funds established under Section
37-155-7
.
(h)
"Payor" means a person, corporation, trust, charitable organization or other such entity which contributes money or makes a payment to either a savings trust account established pursuant to this article or a prepaid tuition account established under Sections
37-155-1
through
37-155-27
on behalf of a beneficiary.
(i)
"Savings trust account" means an account established by an account owner pursuant to this article on behalf of a beneficiary in order to apply distributions from the account toward qualified higher education expenses at eligible educational institutions, as defined in Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or other applicable federal law.
(j)
"Savings trust agreement" means the agreement entered into between the board and the account owner establishing a savings trust account.
(k)
"Qualified higher education expense" means any higher education expense, as defined in Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or other applicable federal law.
(l)
"Qualified withdrawal" means a withdrawal by an account owner or beneficiary for qualified higher education expenses or as otherwise permitted under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, without a penalty required under the Internal Revenue Code.
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 3, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-109 - Savings trust agreements

(1)
The board shall make savings trust agreements available to the public, under which account owners or other payors may make contributions on behalf of qualified beneficiaries. Contributions and investment earnings on the contributions may be used for any qualified higher educational expenses of a designated beneficiary. The state does not guarantee that such contributions, together with the investment return on such contributions, if any, will be adequate to pay for qualified education expenses in full.
(2)
Each savings trust agreement made pursuant to this article shall include the following terms and provisions:
(a)
The maximum and minimum contribution allowed on behalf of each beneficiary for the payment of qualified higher education expenses at eligible institutions, both as defined in Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or other applicable federal law;
(b)
Provisions for withdrawals, refunds, transfers and any penalties;
(c)
The name, address and date of birth of the beneficiary on whose behalf the savings trust account is opened;
(d)
Terms and conditions for a substitution of the beneficiary originally named;
(e)
Terms and conditions for termination of the account, including any refunds, withdrawals or transfers, and applicable penalties, and the name of the person or persons entitled to terminate the account;
(f)
The time period during which the beneficiary must use benefits from the savings trust account;
(g)
All other rights and obligations of the account owner and the MACS Trust Fund; and
(h)
Any other terms and conditions that the board deems necessary or appropriate, including those necessary to conform the savings trust account with the requirements of Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or other applicable federal law or regulations.
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 5, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-113 - Property in Trust Fund exempt from taxation; tax deduction for contributions to MACS accounts

(1)
All property and income of the MACS Trust Fund, as an instrumentality of the state, is exempt from all taxation by the state and by its political subdivisions.
(2)
Any contributor or payor to a MACS Program account may deduct from their Mississippi taxable income any contributions or payments to an account or accounts in the MACS Trust Fund up to a maximum annual amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) for joint filers and Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for single and other filers. Contributions or payments for such tax years may be made after such calendar years but before the deadline for making contributions to an individual retirement account under federal law for such years. The earnings portion of any withdrawals from an account that are not qualified withdrawals, as well as any amounts included in such nonqualified withdrawals previously deducted from taxable income under this section, shall be included in the gross income of the resident recipient of the withdrawal for purposes of the Mississippi Income Tax Law in the year of such withdrawal.
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 7, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-117 - Board to provide annual accounting statements

(1)
The board shall furnish, without charge, to each account owner an annual statement of the following:
(a)
The amount contributed by the account owner under the savings trust agreement;
(b)
The annual earnings and accumulated earnings on the savings trust account; and
(c)
Any other terms and conditions that the board deems by rule is necessary or appropriate, including those necessary to conform the savings trust account with the requirements of Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or other applicable federal law or regulations.
(2)
The board shall furnish an additional statement complying with subsection (1) to an account owner or beneficiary on written request. The board may charge a reasonable fee for each statement furnished under this subsection.
(3)
The board shall prepare or cause to be prepared an annual report setting forth in appropriate detail an accounting of the funds and a description of the financial condition of the program at the close of each fiscal year. Such report shall be submitted to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and members of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Community College Board and the State Board of Education. In addition, the board shall make the report available to account owners of savings trust agreements. The accounts of the fund shall be subject to annual audits by the State Auditor or his designee.
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 9, eff. 7/1/2000.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 397, HB 460, 52, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-119 - No promise or guarantee of beneficiary's admission

This article is not a promise or guarantee that the beneficiary will be:
(a)
Admitted to any institution of higher education;
(b)
Admitted to a particular institution of higher education after admission;
(c)
Allowed to continue enrollment at an institution of higher education; or
(d)
Graduated from an institution of higher education.
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 10, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-121 - No guarantee that higher education expenses will be covered in full

Nothing in this article or in any savings trust agreement entered into pursuant to this article shall be construed as a promise or guarantee by the state or any agency or instrumentality of the state that either qualified higher education expenses in general or any specific qualified higher education expense shall be covered in full by contributions or earnings on any savings trust account. Savings trust accounts and agreements entered into pursuant to this article are not guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the State of Mississippi.
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 11, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-123 - Monies in MACS or MPACT Programs not considered in determining eligibility for need-based financial aid

Notwithstanding any state law to the contrary, no monies on deposit in either the MACS or MPACT Programs shall be considered an asset of the parent, guardian or student for purposes of determining an individual's eligibility for a need-based grant, need-based scholarship or need-based work opportunity offered or administered by any state agency except as may be required by the funding source of such financial aid.
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 12, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 155 - COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS OF MISSISSIPPI (§§ 37-155-1 — 37-155-125) › Article 3 - MISSISSIPPI AFFORDABLE COLLEGE SAVINGS (MACS) › Section 37-155-125 - Severability

The provisions of this article are severable. If any part of this article is declared invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the parts of this article which remain.
Laws, 2000, ch. 473, § 13, eff. 7/1/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 157 - STUDENT TUITION ASSISTANCE (§ 37-157-1) › Section 37-157-1 - and 37-157-3 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 2014, ch. 538, § 38, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 159 - MISSISSIPPI TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-51) › MISSISSIPPI CRITICAL NEEDS TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-19) › Section 37-159-1 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2028] Short title

Sections 37-159-1 through
37-159-19
shall be known and may be cited as the "Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act of 1998."
Laws, 1998, ch. 544, § 1, eff. 4/13/1998.
Reenacted by Laws, 2024, ch. 501, HB 765,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2021, ch. 333, HB 135,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 312, SB 2508,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 538, SB 2499, 46, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 159 - MISSISSIPPI TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-51) › MISSISSIPPI CRITICAL NEEDS TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-19) › Section 37-159-3 - [Repealed]

Laws, 1998, ch. 544, § 2; Laws, 2002, ch. 587, § 3; Laws, 2003, ch. 337, § 1; Laws, 2004, ch. 409, § 3; Laws, 2011, ch. 442, § 18; Laws, 2012, ch. 315, § 1, eff. 4/3/2012.
Repealed by Laws, 2014, ch. 538, SB 2499, 39, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 159 - MISSISSIPPI TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-51) › MISSISSIPPI CRITICAL NEEDS TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-19) › Section 37-159-5 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2028] Reimbursement of relocation expenses; teachers moving to geographical areas short of teachers; residency requirements

The State Board of Education shall prescribe rules and regulations which, subject to available appropriations, allow for reimbursement to the state licensed teachers, from both in state and out of state, who enter into a contract for employment in a school district situated within a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the State Board of Education, for the expense of moving when the employment necessitates the relocation of the teacher to a different geographical area than that in which the teacher resides before entering into such contract. In order to be eligible for the reimbursement, the teacher must apply to the local district and the district must obtain the prior approval from the department for reimbursement before the relocation occurs. If the reimbursement is approved, the department shall provide funds to the school district to reimburse the teacher an amount not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for the documented actual expenses incurred in the course of relocating, including the expense of any professional moving company or persons employed to assist with the move, rented moving vehicles or equipment, mileage in the amount authorized for state employees under Section
25-3-41
if the teacher used his personal vehicle or vehicles for the move, meals and such other expenses associated with the relocation in accordance with the department's established rules and regulations. No teacher may be reimbursed for moving expenses under this section on more than one (1) occasion.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the actual residence to which the teacher relocates to be within the boundaries of the school district which has executed a contract for employment with the teacher or within the boundaries of the area designated by the State Board of Education as the critical teacher shortage area in order for the teacher to be eligible for reimbursement for his moving expenses. However, teachers must relocate within the boundaries of the State of Mississippi.
Laws, 1998, ch. 544, § 6, eff. 4/13/1998.
Reenacted by Laws, 2024, ch. 501, HB 765,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Reenacted by Laws, 2021, ch. 333, HB 135,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 312, SB 2508,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 538, SB 2499, 47, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 159 - MISSISSIPPI TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-51) › MISSISSIPPI CRITICAL NEEDS TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-19) › Section 37-159-7 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2028] Reimbursement of interviewing expenses; teachers moving to geographical areas short of teachers

The school board of any school district situated within a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the State Board of Education, in its discretion, may reimburse persons who interview for employment as a licensed teacher with the district for the mileage and other actual expenses incurred in the course of travel to and from the interview by such persons at the rate authorized for county and municipal employees under Section
25-3-41
. Any reimbursement by a school board under this section shall be paid from funds other than adequate education program funds.
Laws, 1998, ch. 544, § 7, eff. 4/13/1998.
Reenacted by Laws, 2024, ch. 501, HB 765,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2021, ch. 333, HB 135,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 312, SB 2508,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 538, SB 2499, 48, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 159 - MISSISSIPPI TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-51) › MISSISSIPPI CRITICAL NEEDS TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-19) › Section 37-159-13 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2028] Construction of rental housing; West Tallahatchie school district; selection of developer; funding; liability; operation; priority for residence

(1)
There is established a pilot program to provide for the construction of rental housing units for teachers in the West Tallahatchie School District, which pilot program shall be administered by the State Department of Education. The department may contract with one or more public or private entities to provide assistance in implementing and administering the program. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and regulations regarding the implementation and administration of the program.
(2)
The West Tallahatchie School District shall receive proposals from developers for the construction of the rental housing units, and submit its recommendation to the State Department of Education about which developer should construct the units. The department shall make the final determination about the developer that will construct the units.
(3)
After selection of the developer, the department shall loan the developer not more than Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) for construction of the units. The interest rate on the loan shall be equal to one percent (1%) below the discount rate at the Federal Reserve Bank in the Federal Reserve district in which the school district is located, and the loan shall be repaid in not more than fifteen (15) years, as determined by the department. All funds received by the department as repayment of the principal and interest of the loan shall be deposited in the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Fund. If a claim against the developer for repayment is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection, the obligor shall be liable for an additional amount equal to a reasonable attorney's fee.
(4)
The developer shall operate the rental housing units. For a period of ten (10) years or until such time as the loan to the developer is repaid, whichever is longer, the priority for residence in the units shall be given first to teachers employed by the school district, then to other licensed school district employees, and then to any other school district employees.
Laws, 1998, ch. 544, § 15, eff. 4/13/1998.
Reenacted by Laws, 2024, ch. 501, HB 765,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2024.
Reenacted by Laws, 2021, ch. 333, HB 135,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 312, SB 2508,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 538, SB 2499, 51, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 159 - MISSISSIPPI TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-51) › MISSISSIPPI CRITICAL NEEDS TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-19) › Section 37-159-15 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 2011, ch. 442, § 20, eff. 7/1/2011.
Laws, 1998, ch. 544, § 16, eff. 4/13/1998.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 159 - MISSISSIPPI TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-51) › MISSISSIPPI CRITICAL NEEDS TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-19) › Section 37-159-17 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2028] Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Fund; establishment; deposit and use of funds

There is established in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated the "Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Fund," into which shall be deposited those funds appropriated by the Legislature, and any other funds that may be made available, for the purpose of implementing the programs established under Sections
37-3-91
,
37-9-77
,
37-159-5
, and
37-159-9
through
37-159-13
. Money in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the General Fund, and interest earned on any amounts deposited into the fund shall be credited to the special fund.
Laws, 1998, ch. 544, § 17; Laws, 2012, ch. 315, § 2, eff. 4/3/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2024, ch. 501, HB 765,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2024.
Reenacted by Laws, 2021, ch. 333, HB 135,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 312, SB 2508,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 538, SB 2499, 52, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 159 - MISSISSIPPI TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-51) › MISSISSIPPI CRITICAL NEEDS TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-19) › Section 37-159-19 - Repeal of Sections 37-159-1 through 37-159-17

Sections
37-159-1
through
37-159-17
shall stand repealed on July 1, 2027.
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 501, HB 765,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2021, ch. 333, HB 135,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2021.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 312, SB 2508,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 159 - MISSISSIPPI TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (§§ 37-159-1 — 37-159-51) › MISSISSIPPI DYSLEXIA EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (§ 37-159-51) › Section 37-159-51 - and 37-159-53 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 2014, ch. 538, § 40, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 160 - TEACH FOR AMERICA ACT (§§ 37-160-1 — 37-160-7) › Section 37-160-1 - Short title; purpose

(1)
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Teach for America Act."
(2)
The following are the purposes of this chapter:
(a)
To increase the number of highly accomplished recent college graduates teaching in school districts in geographical areas of the state which are economically challenged and in which there exists a critical shortage of teachers.
(b)
To increase the number of recent college graduates teaching in the Teach For America partnering school districts on July 1, 2008, and to bring teachers from a nationally recruited corps of outstanding new teachers to additional communities in Mississippi by expanding the Teach For America program to additional school districts.
(c)
To build a broader resource of talented and experienced future leaders in public education and education reform for the State of Mississippi.
(d)
To authorize state funds to be used as matching funds by Teach For America, Inc., in order to raise additional funding to cover the programmatic costs of recruiting, selecting, training and providing appropriate support to the Teach For America teachers teaching in Mississippi.
Laws, 2008, ch. 461, § 1, eff. 7/1/2008.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 160 - TEACH FOR AMERICA ACT (§§ 37-160-1 — 37-160-7) › Section 37-160-3 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a)
"Grantee" means the Mississippi office of Teach For America, Inc., known as "Teach For America Delta."
(b)
"High need school district" means a school district experiencing a shortage of highly qualified teachers and includes, but is not necessarily limited to, those school districts in a geographical area of the state designated by the State Board of Education as having a critical shortage of teachers under the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act of 1998 (Sections
37-159-1
through
37-159-17
).
Laws, 2008, ch. 461, § 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 160 - TEACH FOR AMERICA ACT (§§ 37-160-1 — 37-160-7) › Section 37-160-5 - Award of grants to Teach For America-Delta to recruit new teachers; use of funds

(1)
The State Superintendent of Public Education may award annually a grant or grants to Teach For America Delta for the purpose of recruiting to Mississippi outstanding new teachers who commit to teach no less than two (2) years in an underserved community in the state. Each year, the Legislature may appropriate to the State Department of Education an amount that may be necessary for making a grant or grants under this section.
(2)
In awarding grants to Teach For America Delta, the superintendent shall enter into an agreement with the grantee under which the grantee agrees to use the grant funds to raise additional funds for the following purposes:
(a)
To provide highly qualified teachers to high need school districts in the state;
(b)
To pay the costs of recruiting, selecting, training and supporting new teachers; and
(c)
To serve the educational needs of a substantial number and percentage of underserved students.
(3)
The grantee shall use all funds received under this chapter to support activities related directly to the recruitment, selection, training and support of teachers. Specifically, grant funds shall be used to carry out each of the following activities:
(a)
Recruiting and selecting Teach For America teachers through a highly selective national process.
(b)
Providing preservice training to the Teach For America teachers through a rigorous summer institute that includes hands-on teaching experience and significant exposure to education coursework and theory.
(c)
Placing the Teach For America teachers in schools and positions designated by officials in those school districts participating in programs under the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act of 1998 as high need placements serving underserved students.
(d)
Providing ongoing professional development activities for each Teach For America teacher's first two (2) years in the classroom, including regular classroom observations and critical feedback, and ongoing training and support that leads to a standard five-year teaching license.
Laws, 2008, ch. 461, § 3, eff. 7/1/2008.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 160 - TEACH FOR AMERICA ACT (§§ 37-160-1 — 37-160-7) › Section 37-160-7 - Grantee to provide written status report; report contents

Before December 1 of each year, the grantee shall submit a written report to the State Superintendent of Public Education on the status of Teach For America Delta. The report must include no less than the following:
(a)
Data on the Teach For America teachers under contract and teaching in a geographical critical teacher shortage area, including a list of those school districts that are partnering with Teach For America through funds provided under this chapter and the grades or subjects that are being taught by Teach For America teachers in those school districts;
(b)
Data on each Teach For America teacher relating to the background of the teacher and the teacher's training and professional development;
(c)
The retention rate of Teach For America teachers in Mississippi;
(d)
The results of an externally conducted biannual analysis of the satisfaction rate of local principals regarding the quality and effect of Teach For America teachers in the principals' respective schools; and
(e)
Any other information requested for the report by the State Superintendent of Public Education.
Laws, 2008, ch. 461, § 4, eff. 7/1/2008.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 161 - MISSISSIPPI EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 2006 (§§ 37-161-1 — 37-161-7) › Section 37-161-1 - Short title; findings and determinations

(1)
This act [Laws of 2006, Chapter 504] shall be known and may be referred to as the "Mississippi Education Reform Act of 2006."
(2)
The Legislature finds and determines that the quality and accountability of public education and its effect upon the social, cultural and economic enhancement of the people of Mississippi is a matter of public policy, the object of which is the education and performance of its children and youth.
Laws, 2006, ch. 504, § 1; reenacted without change, Laws, 2009, ch. 345, § 31, eff. 6/30/2009.