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MississippiSB 22942026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Education; institute initiatives to promote literacy in math, reading, finance, computer science, and civics.

Sponsored By: Chris Johnson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

EducationAccountability, Efficiency, Transparency

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

11 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Civics added to required courses, 2027-28

Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, schools must teach nonpartisan civics tied to graduation. Students start in eighth grade and finish before twelfth grade, covering accurate U.S. and Mississippi history, the Constitutions, federalism, separation of powers, the Bill of Rights, free speech, and civil discourse. Teachers who will teach these courses get training in summer 2027. The State Department of Education sets updated standards and renames “United States Government” to “United States Government and Civics.”

Computer science credit required for high school

Starting with ninth graders who enter high school in 2029–2030, students must earn one State Board–approved credit in computer science or in a CTE course with embedded computer science. The requirement does not raise the total credits needed to graduate. An approved computer science credit may count as one math credit (not Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II) or one science credit (not biology or one physical science). Courses used for this credit must teach the basics of artificial intelligence and its effects on society.

More help for struggling readers, Grades 4–8

Schools must screen reading three times a year and use approved tools. If a Grades 4–8 student shows a reading problem, the school must create an Individual Reading Plan within 30 days and notify parents in writing within 10 days, in their home language. Trained staff must give evidence-based interventions during school and also offer before- or after-school help, with regular progress checks. Plans may add more instructional time and, in Grades 6–8, a separate literacy course. Districts must give families a read-at-home plan in their home language. Schools review prior-year plans in the first 20 days and post annual results by October 1. Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, any eighth grader still at the lowest reading level must be placed in remediation.

More trained reading staff and coaching

Every school that serves Grades 4–8 must employ at least one reading specialist, interventionist, or dyslexia therapist. The state provides science‑of‑reading training for leaders, teachers, and specialists, including dyslexia identification and intervention. Teachers get job‑embedded coaching with model lessons, co‑teaching, and feedback tied to data. The department also builds a statewide support system for these educators. New EPP graduates for Grades 4–8 in ELA, science, or social studies must complete approved reading training before certification.

Personal finance course required for graduation

Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, financial literacy is added to the curriculum in Grades 6–8. In high school, students must take and pass a one‑half Carnegie Unit course in personal finance (or a full unit where at least half the standards are financial literacy). This becomes a diploma requirement for the graduating class of 2032. From July 1, 2027, local boards must update policies to include these credits. Charter schools must follow these rules.

State bans balanced literacy in schools

Schools serving Grades 4–8 must use state‑approved, high‑quality literacy materials aligned to evidence‑based reading. The law bans balanced literacy and three‑cueing to teach reading in public schools, state agencies, and any entity that gets state funds.

State funds and enforces rollout of reforms

The Legislature is directed to provide funding to carry out Sections 13–23 of the law. The State Board of Education may make rules and enforce Sections 13–22 to implement these requirements. The law does not state specific dollar amounts or timelines.

More options to offer computer science classes

Effective July 1, 2026, the law defines computer science, computer science courses, and CTE courses with embedded computer science. Elementary computer science that awards a Carnegie unit may be taught by a licensed teacher or a trained paraprofessional under a licensed teacher’s supervision. Virtual instruction is allowed if a proctor is onsite at the school. The law also defines paraprofessionals’ role and requires State Board approval for qualifying courses.

Summer school not a path to promotion

If a student failed the grade, summer remediation cannot be used to promote them. Schools may still offer summer help based on screeners and tests. This rule only affects promotion decisions after a prior failure.

Charter schools not bound by district rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, district rules for regular public schools do not apply to charter schools. They apply only if the charter contract or another agreement with the district requires it. State law also says terms like “school district” or “school board” do not include charter schools or their boards unless a statute clearly says so. This gives charters more control and limits automatic district oversight.

New charter school rules and limits

Starting July 1, 2026, charter schools must follow the same civil rights, health, and safety rules and the same assessment and accountability rules as other public schools. They must also follow open meetings, public records, compulsory attendance, student discipline reporting, and other listed state laws. At the same time, charter schools are not subject to State Board or Department rules unless their authorizer requires them or their charter contract includes them. A charter may add extra student assessments only if its authorizer approves.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Chris Johnson

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Sarita Simmons

    Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 347 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 121 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 122 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Passed

Yes: 52 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/8/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/6/2026House

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/6/2026Senate

  4. Conference Report Adopted

    4/1/2026Senate

  5. Conference Report Adopted

    4/1/2026House

  6. Conference Report Filed

    3/31/2026Senate

  7. Conference Report Filed

    3/31/2026House

  8. Recommitted For Further Conf

    3/31/2026Senate

  9. Recommitted For Further Conf

    3/31/2026House

  10. Conference Report Filed

    3/30/2026House

  11. Conference Report Filed

    3/30/2026Senate

  12. Conferees Named Roberson,McCarty,Felsher

    3/23/2026House

  13. Conferees Named DeBar,Boyd,Hill

    3/17/2026Senate

  14. Decline to Concur/Invite Conf

    3/12/2026Senate

  15. Returned For Concurrence

    2/23/2026House

  16. Passed As Amended

    2/19/2026House

  17. Amended

    2/19/2026House

  18. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    2/19/2026House

  19. DR - TSDPAA: AC To ED

    2/19/2026House

  20. DR - TSDPAA: ED To AC

    2/18/2026House

  21. Referred To Education;Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency

    2/6/2026House

  22. Transmitted To House

    2/6/2026Senate

  23. Immediate Release

    2/5/2026Senate

  24. Passed

    2/5/2026Senate

  25. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

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