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 FOR ENHANCING CAMPUS STEM-RELATED FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027.
Summary
House Bill 1805 is an appropriations measure that provides $1.5 million from the State General Fund to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for Alcorn State University. The funding is specifically intended to strengthen and enhance campus Science, Technology, Engineering and Medical (STEM)-related academic, research, service programs, and facilities for fiscal year 2027, beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
The bill does not create a new regulatory program or change eligibility rules; instead, it directs state funds to a specific public university through the normal state warrant and requisition process. Its practical effect is to increase state support for Alcorn State’s STEM infrastructure and programming, likely aiding recruitment, retention, research capacity, and service delivery in those fields.
Impact
HB1805 would amend state spending for fiscal year 2027 by appropriating $1.5 million from the General Fund to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for Alcorn State University. It affects state budget law and higher education funding administration, but it does not alter substantive statutes governing education, accreditation, or university operations. The primary affected parties are Alcorn State University, the IHL Board, and state fiscal officers responsible for disbursing the funds.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears generally favorable and straightforward, with a clear policy goal of supporting STEM capacity at a public historically Black university. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or debate in the available record. The caption and sponsor list suggest the bill is presented as a targeted investment in higher education and workforce development.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided committee or voting history. Potential areas of debate, if raised, would likely involve the use of General Fund dollars, the size of the appropriation, and whether a single institution should receive a dedicated earmark rather than broader higher education funding. However, the available record does not show any identified opponents or disputed provisions.