Mississippi House Bill HB982

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Exceptional children; require school districts to develop policy for the discipline of.

Impact

The bill outlines minimum requirements for the discipline policy, which include provisions for student removal from their customary educational placement, handling emergency removals, and ensuring that disciplinary actions adhere to each child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). This approach advocates for a balance between maintaining school safety and respecting the unique needs of students with disabilities. By enforcing these standards, the bill seeks to create a more structured and equitable disciplinary environment within schools.

Summary

House Bill 982 mandates that local school districts in Mississippi develop a disciplinary policy specific to students identified as exceptional children. This policy is required to align with the established norms for disciplining traditional learners, ensuring that any disciplinary actions do not conflict with federal regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The aim of the bill is to formalize the process by which exceptional children are disciplined, ensuring their rights are protected while maintaining a suitable framework for educational environments.

Contention

While the bill's provisions are aimed at enhancing the protection of exceptional children, there could be points of contention regarding how effectively local districts can implement these policies. Concerns may arise around whether the policies will adequately reflect the diverse needs of these students or if they could inadvertently lead to overly harsh disciplinary measures that do not take individual circumstances into account. Additionally, potential debates might focus on the allocation of resources necessary for proper training and implementation of such policies across varying local district contexts.