Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2669

Introduced
2/19/24  
Refer
2/19/24  

Caption

Mississippi Dyslexia Education Funding Act; enact.

Impact

The implementation of SB2669 is expected to have significant implications for state education law, particularly in the realms of special education and funding allocation. By creating a specific grant dedicated to dyslexia, the act signals a legislative commitment to improving educational outcomes for students with learning disabilities. It also requires the Mississippi Department of Education to set forth regulations ensuring that funds are adequately distributed and managed, highlighting an increased state role in addressing learning disabilities in the educational sector. Annual reporting requirements are included to maintain transparency in the distribution and utilization of these funds.

Summary

Senate Bill 2669, known as the Mississippi Dyslexia Education Funding Act, aims to establish a dedicated funding program for dyslexia education in Mississippi. This act is designed to support students with dyslexia through the creation of the Mississippi Rural Schools Funding Grant Program, which will provide financial resources for dyslexia therapy and hire specialized therapists or support staff within schools. Each school district will be guaranteed a minimum grant of $100,000, and further funds will be available through an application process until the allocated resources are exhausted. The act underscores the importance of effective education strategies for students diagnosed with this learning disability.

Contention

While the act presents a proactive approach to supporting dyslexic students, it may also raise questions regarding the priorities in state educational funding and potential competition with other educational needs. Critics might argue that funding should not be isolated to one type of learning disability, and there may be calls for a more comprehensive approach that addresses various special education needs. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed grant allocation process will be scrutinized, ensuring that the intended beneficiaries—students and their therapists—receive the actual support required.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB752

MS Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia; revise eligibility beginning with kindergarten.

MS HB1200

Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program; expand to allow certified academic language therapists (CALT); to provide dyslexia therapy services.

MS SB2809

Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program; expand to allow certified academic language therapists (CALT).

MS SB2333

Public schools; require staff training to assist with seizures.

MS HB781

Dyslexia screenings; reimburse parents and school districts for comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations of students failing initial screener.

MS SB2792

Mississippi Released Time Education Act; enact.

MS SB2622

Mississippi Prior Authorization Reform Act; enact.

MS SB2740

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2023"; create.

MS HB112

"Mississippi Universal Prekindergarten Program Act of 2023"; create.

MS SB2597

Mississippi Comprehensive Workforce Training and Education Consolidation Act of 2004; extend repealer on.

Similar Bills

MS SB2621

Mississippi Dyslexia Education Funding Act; enact.

MS HB1247

Mississippi Dyslexia Education Loan Repayment Program; establish in place of forgivable loan program and prescribe requirements of eligibility.

MS HB752

MS Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia; revise eligibility beginning with kindergarten.

MS HB1204

MS Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia; revise eligibility beginning with kindergarten.

MS HB1165

"Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act"; revise definition of "eligible student" and "eligible school."

MS HB1179

"Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act"; revise definition of "eligible student" and "eligible school."

MS SB2702

"Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act;" revise definition of "eligible student" and "eligible school."

MS HB1170

Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program; expand to allow certified academic language therapists (CALT); to provide dyslexia therapy services.