Mississippi House Bill HB1319

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Motivating Parents and Children (M.P.A.C.) Pilot Program; establish within State Department of Education.

Impact

If implemented, the M.P.A.C. program would allow local school districts to apply for funding to create tailored programs that suit their specific community needs. This includes the provision of essential services like after-school care, parenting classes, and adult literacy programs. Additionally, it would require parents to attend certain school meetings or conferences related to their child's behavior, creating a structured system of accountability aimed at fostering better educational outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 1319, known as the Motivating Parents and Children (M.P.A.C.) Pilot Program, aims to establish a curriculum within the State Department of Education focused on enhancing parental involvement and educational support services for families with school-age children at risk for educational failure and juvenile crime. The M.P.A.C. program is designed to provide grants to participating school districts that implement innovative strategies to strengthen the partnership between schools and parents, coordinate support services, and address behavior issues among children who are at risk.

Contention

However, the bill's provisions also raise concerns regarding parental obligations and potential penalties. For example, parents may face consequences such as being required to attend parenting classes or risk fines for not complying with attendance requirements. Furthermore, any student participating in this program who is suspended from school is subject to having their driver's license suspended for a year, prompting discussions about the appropriateness and effectiveness of such punitive measures in addressing behavioral issues and supporting parental engagement.