Mississippi House Bill HB418

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/5/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Public schools; require toll-free number for reporting abuse and neglect to be posted in all.

Impact

Following the enactment of HB 418, the State Board of Education will be responsible for adopting rules and regulations regarding the sign's content, size, and specific location within the schools. The guidelines will ensure the information is presented in a clear and understandable manner suitable for students of all grade levels. The inclusion of emergency instructions, such as calling 911, further emphasizes the importance of immediate action in situations of suspected abuse or neglect. The bill is designed to foster a culture of awareness and responsiveness around child protection within educational environments.

Summary

House Bill 418, introduced by Representative Bain, requires the toll-free telephone number operated by the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services for reporting child abuse and neglect to be prominently posted in all public and charter schools. The bill mandates that the sign containing this number be displayed in high-traffic locations within the schools, ensuring visibility and accessibility for students. Additionally, it specifies that the sign must be in both English and Spanish to accommodate a broader range of students and parents. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of students by making reporting options more accessible.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention regarding the implementation of this bill, particularly concerning the costs associated with producing and displaying the signs in every school. Stakeholders may discuss the effectiveness of such measures in genuinely increasing reports of abuse and neglect. Moreover, discussions might revolve around the appropriateness of placing such information in schools and whether the responsibility for reporting abuse should fall predominantly on students. However, supporters believe that by normalizing the conversation about child protection and providing easily accessible resources, the bill will empower students to take action if they witness or experience abuse.