JACKSON, Miss. — After hours of emotional debate and a vote decided by just two lawmakers, the Mississippi House has narrowly approved legislation that could significantly change how families choose schools and how public education dollars are spent.
The Mississippi Education Freedom Act passed Thursday by a 61–59 vote, one of the closest margins of the 2026 legislative session. The bill now moves forward in a process that supporters say expands opportunity, while critics warn it could weaken already struggling public schools.
Under current Mississippi law, taxpayer dollars are directed almost exclusively to public school districts. The Education Freedom Act would allow families to use a portion of those public funds to send their children to private schools if they choose…