Mississippi House Bill HB27

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/23
• Refer: 1/3/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

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

Impact

The changes proposed in HB27 could result in a broader application of educational resources to students with dyslexia, aligning with the state's goals of improving educational outcomes for individuals with special needs. By formally including dyslexia-affected students in the definitions governing ESA programs, the bill is expected to positively affect the access to and distribution of educational funding meant to support these students' unique learning needs. However, the long-term implications of this amendment on the budgets allocated to other special education services must also be carefully considered.

Summary

House Bill 27 aims to amend the definitions of 'eligible student' and 'eligible school' within the framework of the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act. Specifically, the bill seeks to include students diagnosed with dyslexia who do not receive funds from the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship program. This inclusion is significant as it expands eligibility for students who may suffer from dyslexia and could benefit from educational funding under the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program. The proposed changes are intended to enhance opportunities for students with learning disabilities and potentially allow for a more tailored educational experience.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB27 stem from the potentially strained resources of the existing educational infrastructure. Critics may argue that adding more students to the pool of those eligible for ESA funding could undermine the availability of resources for students already utilizing the program. Additionally, there may be discussions around the adequacy of educational services being provided to students with dyslexia in both public and private settings, questioning whether the current system can effectively meet the expanded demand. Proponents of the bill, however, assert that such an expansion is necessary for inclusivity and equal access to educational opportunities.