Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB63

Introduced

1/7/26

Refer

1/7/26

Failed

2/25/26

Caption

AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDING IN EQUAL AMOUNTS TO JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY, ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY AND MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY FOR MAKING RESTORATIONS AND RENOVATIONS ON PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN REQUESTED FROM THE LEGISLATURE FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027.

Impact

The appropriations made under HB63 are intended to fulfill longstanding requests from the universities for funding, which have not been addressed in the state funding process for an extended period. The bill is expected to enhance the quality of education at these institutions by improving facilities, allowing for better learning environments, and potentially increasing enrollment. Furthermore, the financial commitment under HB63 reflects a broader strategy to support higher education and empower historically underrepresented institutions within the state.

Summary

House Bill 63 (HB63) focuses on providing significant financial support to three historically black universities in Mississippi: Jackson State University (JSU), Alcorn State University (ASU), and Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). The bill proposes an appropriation of $300 million to fund restoration and renovation projects that these institutions have requested for over two years. This investment aims to improve the educational facilities and infrastructure at these universities during the fiscal year 2027.

Contention

While the bill garners support for its intentions to bolster funding for higher education, it may face scrutiny regarding the allocation of state funds and the prioritization of expenditure. Critics may argue about the effectiveness of such large appropriations without clear accountability on how the funds will be used. Additionally, there might be concerns raised around the equity of funding distribution relative to other state universities and colleges, especially if similar requests from non-historically black institutions are not equitably addressed.

Latest MS HB63 Activity

View All Events: MS 2026 Regular Session HB63

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB421

Bonds; authorize issuance for improvements at Alcorn State University, Jackson State University and Mississippi Valley State University.

MS HB1946

Appropriation; IHL for renovations and safety projects at Jackson State University.

MS SB2380

Audit; perform a 50 year comparison of appropriations at Alcorn and Mississippi State University.

MS HB1796

Appropriation; IHL for repairs and renovations to residence halls at Alcorn State University.

MS SB2522

Task Force to Study Restoration of Adequate Funding to Alcorn State University; create.

MS HB1798

Appropriation; IHL to provide additional funding for Alcorn State to address funding disparity between land grant universities.

MS HB535

Bonds; authorize issuance for repair and renovation of buildings and facilities at Mississippi Valley State University.

MS HB1780

Appropriation; IHL for the support of Alcorn State University Land-Grant Research and Extension Programs.

MS HB137

Appropriation; IHL for construction of athletic stadium for Jackson State University.

MS HB216

Appropriation; IHL for construction of athletic stadium for Jackson State University.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.