As New Education Laws Take Effect, A Look Back at the 2026 Legislative Session

While the 2026 legislative session concluded in April, many of the education laws passed by the Legislature took effect on July 1. As these new policies and investments begin to shape education across Mississippi, it is an appropriate time to look back at what lawmakers approved and what didn’t make it across the finish line.

The session resulted in important investments in teacher compensation, early childhood education, math and literacy, and several other education priorities. Below is an overview of key pieces of legislation that passed, proposals that did not, and what these outcomes mean moving forward.

K-12 Education

What Passed

Teacher Pay and Attendance Overhaul (SB 2103)
Full Summary of Bill

SB 2103 provides $2,000 raises for teachers and assistant teachers, adds targeted supplements for certain school personnel, increases the base student funding amount, and makes several policy changes related to attendance enforcement, counselor ethics, and retired teachers returning to the classroom. This law went into effect on July 1, 2026 and July 2, 2026.

Mississippi Math Act and Expansion of Literacy Work (SB 2294)
Full Summary of Bill

SB 2294 establishes a statewide math initiative (M3) featuring coaching, universal screening, and intervention while expanding Mississippi’s literacy efforts into grades 4-8. The bill also adds new graduation requirements in financial literacy and computer science. This law went into effect on July 1, 2026.

Expansion of the Children’s Promise Act (HB 1944)

HB 1944 expands the Children’s Promise Act tax credit program by increasing the overall cap from $18 million to $24 million beginning in 2027 and creating a new set-aside for special-purpose schools. This law went into effect on January 1, 2026.

Charter School Purchasing (HB 1395)

HB 1395 places a 12-month limit on charter schools’ right of first refusal to purchase closed public school buildings located within their districts. Previously, no time limit existed. This law went into effect on July 1, 2026.

What Did Not Pass

• HB 2: Education omnibus bill that would have significantly expanded private school choice and made broader changes to charter schools and graduation requirements.
• HB 1126: Proposed a $5,000 teacher pay raise and an additional $3,000 annual supplement for special education teachers.
• HB 1234: Would have created a statewide public school accountability dashboard with expanded financial reporting.
• HB 1606: Would have established a strategic staffing pilot program allowing districts to redesign staffing models with teacher leadership roles.
• SB 2002: District portability legislation allowing student transfers without approval from the home district.
• SB 2072: Would have moved up the distribution date for teachers’ classroom supply funds.
• SB 2099: Would have required school districts to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during the school day.

Early Childhood Education

What Passed

Permanent Dedicated Lottery Funds (HB 325)

Lawmakers permanently dedicated lottery proceeds above $80 million to the Education Enhancement Fund, ensuring lottery funds will continue to support pre-K-12 beyond the original June 30, 2028, expiration date. This law went into effect on July 1, 2026.

Continued Investment in the Early Learning Collaboratives (HB 1935)

The Legislature reaffirmed its commitment to Mississippi’s state-funded pre-K program by maintaining $29 million for the Early Learning Collaboratives (ELCs) and $3.25 million for instructional coaches. The Legislature also continued funding the State Invested Pre-K Program (SIP) with a $13 million appropriation. SIP supports school districts that offer pre-K and suggests partnerships with local Head Start programs. The program does not require a local funding match, and as a result, is more expensive for the state to operate. This law went into effect on July 1, 2026.

Employer Provided Child Care Tax Credit (SB 2867)

Amends the employer-provided child care tax credit. The bill caps the credit at $3,000 per year per child and adjusts the required stipend amount employers must provide to a minimum of $2,000 to qualify. Additionally, there is an overall cap of $1M in tax credits per year. This law went into effect on July 1, 2026.

What Did Not Pass

• Child Care Payment Program Funding: Lawmakers did not renew the state’s $15 million investment in the Child Care Payment Program in the Department of Human Services’ budget. The program helps eligible families afford childcare through vouchers. While last year’s appropriation marked Mississippi’s first direct state investment in childcare, budget constraints ultimately prevented its continuation this year.
• SB 2371: Would have transferred the office of childcare licensure from the Mississippi Department of Health to the Mississippi Department of Human Services. 
• SB 2482: Would have required the transfer of SIP program funds and participants to the early learning collaboratives. 
• SB 2485: Would have ensured state-funded pre-K teachers in charter schools are required to meet licensure standards. 

Looking Back at the 2026 Session

Several themes shaped this year’s legislative outcomes.

Budget constraints influenced major decisions. As appropriations negotiations intensified, lawmakers prioritized lower-cost, targeted investments over larger spending proposals. In the future, the state’s fiscal landscape and declining enrollments from early childhood to K-12 will continue to affect how legislators prioritize budget decisions. 

Differences between the House and Senate limited major policy changes. Although both chambers demonstrated strong interest in education, disagreements over issues like teacher compensation and school choice prevented several significant proposals from advancing.

Looking Ahead

As these new laws and investments take effect, Mississippi First remains committed to advancing policies that improve educational outcomes across the state.

Our priorities continue to include:

• Advancing sustainable solutions to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention.
• Supporting competitive, meaningful educator compensation.
• Expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities.
• Promoting policies that ensure every student has access to a high-quality public education.
• Providing clear, objective analysis to help Mississippians understand education policy and its impact.

We look forward to continuing this work as we prepare for the 2027 legislative session.