House Bill 842

AN ACT TO CREATE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY AND EVALUATE THE INEQUITIES AND INADEQUACIES OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THEREON TO THE LEGISLATURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) There is created a task force to study and evaluate the inequities and inadequacies of the public school system in the State of Mississippi, including, but not limited to, funding and operation of the system. The task force shall make a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by March 1, 2005, including any recommended legislation.

(2) The task force shall be composed of the following eighteen (18) members:

(a) The Chairman of the House Education Committee;

(b) The Chairman of the Senate Education Committee;

(d) One (1) representative from each of the four (4) congressional districts and one (1) representative at large to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, for a total of five (5) representatives;

(e) One (1) senator from each of the four (4) congressional districts and one (1) senator at large to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, for a total of five (5) senators; and

(f) One (1) person from each of the four (4) congressional districts and one (1) person at large to be appointed by the Governor, for a total of five (5) members.

(3) Appointments shall be made within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this act, and, within fifteen (15) days thereafter on a day to be designated jointly by the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor, the task force shall meet and organize.

(4) The task force shall study and make recommendations regarding the inequities and inadequacies of the public school system in the State of Mississippi, including, but not limited to, funding and operation of the system.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.