MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2024 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Whaley

Senate Bill 2679

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT ASSOCIATION, CORPORATION OR OTHER ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED AND OPERATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF REGULATING PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, FORMALLY KNOWN AS THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA), FROM REQUIRING MEMBER SCHOOLS TO CHARGE STUDENTS ATTENDING SUCH ACTIVITIES MORE THAN $2.00 FOR ADMISSION INTO THE REGULATED EVENTS; TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENTS MUST PRESENT HIS OR HER STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD AT THE ADMISSIONS GATE TO RECEIVE THE DISCOUNTED PRICING; TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENTS AGE FIVE YEARS AND YOUNGER SHALL BE GRANTED FREE ADMISSION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  From and after July 1, 2024, the not-for-profit association, corporation or other organization established and operated for the purpose of regulating public high school athletics and extracurricular activities, formally known as the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA), shall not require any member school to charge any student attending such activities an amount to exceed Two Dollars ($2.00) for admission to the regulated event.  Upon presentation of his or her student identification card at the admissions gate, the student shall be charged the reduced price for admission, and any child five (5) years of age and younger shall be admitted to the event free of charge.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.