House Bill 1064

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FROM DISCONTINUING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO CERTAIN STUDENTS IN EXCHANGE FOR PARTICIPATION IN AN ATHLETIC ACTIVITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. A state institution of higher learning may not revoke or discontinue the financial assistance that has been awarded to a student for two (2) or more years in exchange for the student's participation in a college-sanctioned athletic activity so long as the student remains eligible for continued enrollment and in good academic standing according to the general requirements prescribed for all students at the state institution. For purposes of this section, the term "financial assistance" means the complete or partial payment or waiver of tuition, fees and other costs associated with the student's enrollment at the institution, including books, housing, meals, school supplies, materials, dues, fees for extra-curricular activities and any other expenses for which payment has been made on behalf of the student.

A student who continues to receive financial assistance at a state institution of higher learning under this section may receive the financial assistance until the student has completed the requirements for a baccalaureate degree. However, a state institution of higher learning is not required to provide financial assistance to the student for a period exceeding the total number of years required for completion of the baccalaureate degree that the student is pursuing.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.