Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB791

Introduced
1/16/25  
Refer
1/16/25  

Caption

Video surveillance cameras; require in certain areas of school facilities for protection of exceptional children.

Impact

In terms of regulatory impact, the bill delineates strict guidelines for the usage and monitoring of these surveillance systems, stipulating that access to recorded footage is limited to authorized district officials and licensed personnel. This is intended to uphold student privacy and identity protection, particularly for students who are not subject to investigations arising from incidents recorded. Furthermore, the legislation allows schools to contract independent entities for monitoring services but requires adherence to transparent bidding and selection processes to ensure accountability and efficacy in service provision.

Summary

House Bill 791 proposes the installation of video surveillance cameras equipped with audio reception technology in various areas within school facilities, particularly focusing on the safety and well-being of exceptional students. The bill mandates that every school district must equip classrooms, gymnasiums, corridors, cafeterias, recreational areas, and entry points with such surveillance systems. This initiative aims to enhance security within educational environments and mitigate issues related to disciplinary problems or potential misconduct involving vulnerable student populations.

Contention

The implications of HB 791 may spark discussion regarding the balance between safety and privacy rights in schools. While proponents argue that increased surveillance would provide peace of mind and serve as a deterrent against potentially harmful incidents, detractors may express concerns over the potential invasiveness of such measures on students' rights to privacy. There could be debate surrounding the efficacy of surveillance as a means to improve school safety without infringing on the personal liberties of students and staff, particularly in areas where exceptional children are involved.

Effective_date

The bill is slated to become effective on July 1, 2025, enabling school districts adequate time to comply with the new requirements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB313

Video surveillance cameras; require in certain areas of school facilities for protection of exceptional children.

MS HB797

Video surveillance cameras; require in certain areas of school facilities for protection of exceptional children.

MS HB278

Video surveillance cameras; require to be installed in classrooms and certain other areas of public schools and postsecondary educational institutions.

MS HB1446

Mississippi School Safety Task Force; create.

MS SB2573

Reverse auction requirements for procurement; exempt certain training equipment.

MS HB1455

State Board of Education; require to develop curriculum and implement programs of conflict resolution.

MS HB454

State Board of Education; require to develop curriculum and implement programs of conflict resolution.

MS HB705

Bonds; create pilot program for grants to certain municipalities for security cameras and equipment and authorize bonds to provide funds.

MS HB1845

Appropriation; City of Jackson for installation of surveillance cameras in Ward 4.

MS HB875

Public purchases; revise bidding requirements for certain projects and other related to Mississippi Landmarks.

Similar Bills

MS HB649

Video surveillance cameras; require in certain areas of school facilities for protection of exceptional children.

MS HB797

Video surveillance cameras; require in certain areas of school facilities for protection of exceptional children.

MS HB313

Video surveillance cameras; require in certain areas of school facilities for protection of exceptional children.

MS SB2422

Education Enhancement Fund; revise date of issuance and distribution of procurement cards or digital solutions for classroom supplies.

MS HB790

Video surveillance cameras; require to be installed in classrooms and certain other areas of public schools and postsecondary educational institutions.

MS HB278

Video surveillance cameras; require to be installed in classrooms and certain other areas of public schools and postsecondary educational institutions.

MS HB879

Education Enhancement Fund; revise date of issuance of classroom supply procurement cards.

MS HB885

Education Enhancement Fund; authorize DFA to issue digital solutions and credentials for use for classroom supply allotments.