Mississippi House Bill HB882

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

School attendance officers; provide increase to minimum base salary.

Impact

The increase in salary for school attendance officers is expected to have a positive effect on the workforce within the education sector. By raising the minimum base salary, the bill directly addresses concerns regarding the compensation structures for these officers, ensuring that they are adequately rewarded for their efforts in enforcing compulsory school attendance laws. This adjustment might also lead to improved performance and diligence among school attendance officers, as better compensation can correlate with enhanced job satisfaction and commitment.

Summary

House Bill 882 amends Section 37-13-89 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to increase the minimum base salary for school attendance officers by $5,000. This change aims to enhance the financial compensation provided to these officers, thereby potentially increasing the attractiveness of the position and aiding in the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel responsible for ensuring school attendance compliance among students in Mississippi.

Contention

While supporters argue that the salary increase is a necessary step to reflect the importance of school attendance enforcement and to attract qualified candidates, there may be concerns regarding budget implications. Officials will need to evaluate whether the increase in salaries can be accommodated within existing educational budgets or if it may necessitate funding adjustments from other areas. Critics may also question whether there are more pressing needs in the education sector that could be prioritized over salary increases.