AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDING TO ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY TO STRENGTHEN SUPPORT OF POULTRY SCIENCE RESEARCH, EXTENSION AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027.
Summary
House Bill 1801 is an appropriations measure that provides $550,000 from the Mississippi State General Fund to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for Alcorn State University. The funding is specifically designated to strengthen poultry science research, extension, and academic programs for fiscal year 2027, beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
The bill does not create a new regulatory program or change substantive law; instead, it directs a one-time state appropriation to support university-based poultry science activities. The money would be disbursed through the normal state warrant and requisition process administered by the State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer, and the act would take effect on July 1, 2026.
Impact
HB1801 would increase state funding for Alcorn State University through the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, earmarking $550,000 for poultry science research, extension, and academic programming. Its practical effect is to support agricultural education and applied research capacity at a historically Black public university, with potential benefits for Mississippi’s poultry industry, workforce development, and outreach services. Because it is an appropriation bill, it does not amend existing statutes or impose new obligations on private parties; it simply authorizes the expenditure of state general funds for a specific purpose.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, vote tally, or recorded debate, so there is no direct evidence of opposition or support from floor or committee discussion. Based on the bill’s narrow, targeted purpose and its introduction by multiple House members, the measure appears to be a straightforward funding proposal rather than a controversial policy change. The absence of recorded votes or amendments suggests there was no documented public contention in the materials provided.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. The only potentially debatable issue is the allocation of $550,000 in general fund dollars to a single institution and program area, which could raise questions about budget priorities or whether the appropriation should be expanded, reduced, or distributed differently. However, no legislators, committees, or stakeholders are identified in the record as taking opposing positions.