Senate Bill 2790

AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-13-187, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ESTABLISH THE PATRIOTIC EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING EDUCATION THAT INSPIRES AMERICAN HISTORY IN SCHOOLS; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN STANDARDS FOR THE GRANT PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE ANNUAL GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF FIVE MILLION DOLLARS TO THE PATRIOTIC EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 37-13-187, Mississippi Code of 1972:

37-13-187. (1) There is hereby established the Patriotic Education Grant Program.

(2) The Patriotic Education Grant Program shall be administered by the Department of Education for the purpose of promoting education that inspires pride in American history in schools.

(3) The Department of Education shall administer grant funds to schools for activities, including but not limited to, after-school clubs, special speakers and field trips.

(4) All school districts and teachers may apply for grant funds from the program, provided that teachers shall receive approval from their school district before applying for such funds.

(5) Any grant funds that have not been expended at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund and shall roll into the next fiscal year.

(6) The Department of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations to accomplish the purpose of the program.

(7) The Department of Education shall provide annual grant funding in the amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) to the Patriotic Education Grant Program.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.