The Mississippi House of Representatives today passed HB 2, a major step toward expanding educational opportunity for families across the state. With House passage, Mississippi moves closer to joining a growing national movement to empower parents and put kids first.
Why it matters:
HB 2 puts Mississippi on track to join 17 other states that have enacted education freedom legislation—marking a historic shift toward student-centered education policy. Mississippi voters overwhelmingly support expanding education freedom and giving families control over their child’s education:
- 85% believe parents, not the government, should choose their child’s school
- 75% say education savings accounts (ESAs) should be available to all families not limited by household incomes or district ratings
What we’re saying:
“This is a historic moment for Mississippi families,” said Lily Landry, legislative director at yes. every kid. “By passing HB 2, lawmakers sent a clear message that Mississippi is committed to empowering parents and putting kids first.”
The details:
- Universal eligibility for Magnolia Student Accounts, with 50% reserved for students coming from public schools and priority for families at 100–300% of area median income.
- Participation capped at 12,500 students in 2027–28, increasing by 2,500 students annually through 2030–31, with automatic growth each year after if fully utilized.
- Scholarship amounts: Full state per-pupil funding (about $6,843) at participating schools; $2,000 at non-participating schools; $1,000 for homeschool students.
- Open enrollment requirements for all districts, including nondiscriminatory policies, public posting of capacity by grade, and transfers without sending-district approval (subject to receiving-district approval).
- Extracurricular access for homeschooled students at public schools.
The bottom line:
With House passage of HB 2, Mississippi takes a historic step toward empowering families and putting kids at the center of education policy.
###
