In one paragraph
Mississippi's HB 1035 (2026), the Mississippi Future Innovators Act, would require that, beginning with the entering ninth-grade class of 2029-2030, a public high school student earn one unit of credit in a State Board of Education-approved computer science course or industry-aligned CTE course with embedded computer science before graduating, and that the course include instruction on AI (what it is, how it works and its impact on society). It passed the House on February 11, 2026 but died in Senate Education Committee on March 3, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and never became law. It would have required public high schools to ensure graduates take a computer science course covering AI concepts; it sets no duties for private businesses.
Key provisions
- Would add Section 37-13-215: starting with the 2029-2030 entering ninth-grade class, one unit of credit in computer science or CTE with embedded computer science, approved by the State Board of Education
- The requirement would not increase the number of state-required credits for graduation
- For a traditional diploma the credit would count toward computer science and also toward one math credit (excluding Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II) or one science credit (excluding biology and one physical science)
- Courses would have to include instruction on fundamental concepts of emerging computer science technologies such as AI, including what AI is, how it works and its impact on society
- Would amend Section 37-13-205 to define 'career and technical education with embedded computer science course' and to include AI in the definition of computer science
- Passed the House February 11, 2026 (as passed version); referred to Senate Education February 17; died in committee March 3, 2026
Latest legislative action
Mar 3, 2026. Died In Committee
Sponsors (showing 5 of 12)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Bennett | Primary |
| Bounds | Primary |
| Carpenter | Primary |
| Eubanks | Primary |
| Felsher | Primary |
Roll call votes
Passage Feb 11, 2026
120 yea0 nay2 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error