Mississippi House Bill HB370

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Social workers; provide in schools having high incidences of crime and via video conferencing means.

Impact

If passed, HB 370 will increase accessibility to mental health services within public schools through the hiring of social workers. The law facilitates collaboration between the State Department of Education and the Department of Human Services to ensure that licensed social workers are available, including through innovative platforms such as video conferencing. This approach seeks to bolster the emotional and psychological well-being of students in high-need areas, ultimately fostering a better educational environment.

Summary

House Bill 370 aims to allocate funds under the Mississippi Student Funding Formula specifically to school districts that experience the highest incidences of crime and violence. The bill emphasizes the employment of licensed social workers in these districts to address the mental health and social needs of students. It mandates that the State Department of Education designates qualifying districts based on specific criteria, including crime rates, violence, SNAP participation, and unemployment levels, enhancing the state’s support for educational institutions in areas of need.

Contention

Critics of HB 370 may express concerns regarding the funding allocation process and the potential for discrepancies in the appointment of social workers. There might be debates surrounding the qualifications required for social workers, as well as challenges related to confidentiality and the effectiveness of video conferencing solutions in providing adequate support. Furthermore, some may argue that the reliance on state funding could limit local school districts' flexibility in employing additional social services based on their unique community needs.