Legislative Resources

MSBA Legislative Program

MSBA is the advocacy wing of Mississippi school boards at the State and Federal levels and assists school districts with their grassroots efforts at the local level.

MISSION

To ensure that first and foremost the legislature adequately funds K-12 public education. Second, to ensure that the legislature enacts laws that support and do not hinder the efforts of public schools to provide a high quality education for every Mississippi student.

MSBA WILL

Work with legislators in an attempt to accomplish the above mission
Recommend to its membership that its legislative program center on four primary issues as identified through a survey of its membership
Implement a legislative network concentrating on linking local school board members with their legislators in an effort to share the needs of the local school district(s) and to increase awareness of how legislation could impact the district(s).

Recommended Annual Legislative Priorities
Recommended Annual Association Positions
MSBA Legislative Report
Mississippi Senate
Mississippi House
Legislative Resources

Recommended 2026 Legislative Priorities

As determined by the Membership at the 2025 MSBA Delegate Assembly

Legislation providing incentives to people majoring in education and/or people seeking an alternative route license
Legislation that further incentivizes retired teachers to return to the classroom.
Legislation creating a structured, statewide approach to quality early childhood education.
Legislation addressing school board member misconduct.

recommended 2026 Association Positions

SUPPORT

Legislation that would require each local school board to formally adopt a code of conduct for board members
Legislation allowing for salary supplements for experienced teachers willing to relocate to F-rated school districts.
Legislation that would shift the control of student attendance officers from the Mississippi Department of Education to local school districts.
Legislation that would restrict the use of cell phones or other personal communication devices by students during school hours.

OPPOSE

Legislation allowing public funds to be diverted from public schools to nonpublic, home, or virtual schools by means of vouchers, tuition tax credits, or scholarships.
Legislation allowing public charter schools in districts with successful accountability ratings of A, B, or C
Legislation that would allow open enrollment for students to attend the school of their choice regardless of residency
Legislation restricting local control of school boards.
Legislation that would allow homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities.
Legislation that would consolidate schools to create a countywide school district in each county.

MSBA Legislative Report

MSBA keeps our members informed about legislative activities during each legislative session and throughout the year.
During the Legislative session, the MSBA team attends House and Senate committee meetings and analyzes bills that impact K-12 education. MSBA staff also meets with state legislators, the congressional delegation in Washington, and other educational groups to cultivate relationships and influence legislation.
Through the weekly email newsletter, the Legislative Report, and the annual Legislative Update and School Law Review Conference, MSBA provides members with updates and vital information on legislative education matters.

Mississippi Senate

Senate Education Committee

Direct Link to the MS Senate Education Committee

Senate Committee Bills

Direct Link to Current MS Senate Committee Bills

Mississippi House

Mississippi House Education Committee

Direct Link to the Mississippi House Education Committee Website

House Committee Bills

Direct Link to Current House Committee Bills

Mississippi Legislature

Primary MS Legislature website.

Mississippi Department of Education News

News and Information Direct from MDE

Mississippi Code of 1972

Full searchable text of the Mississippi Code

US House of Representatives

House.Gov, the main source of US House News.

US Senate

Website of the United States Senate

US Department of Education

US Department of Education Main Web Site

Education Commission of the States

Direct Link to the Education Commission of the States Website.