Mississippi House Bill HB781

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Dyslexia screenings; reimburse parents and school districts for comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations of students failing initial screener.

Impact

The passage of HB 781 will require local school districts to adhere to established policies regarding the screening of students for dyslexia. Specifically, they must accept results from comprehensive evaluations conducted by licensed professionals and utilize these findings to determine eligibility for dyslexia therapy programs. This change is expected to enhance the educational resources available for students diagnosed with dyslexia, ultimately aiming to support their learning and development.

Summary

House Bill 781 amends Section 37-173-15 of the Mississippi Code, establishing a reimbursement program for school districts and parents who provide comprehensive dyslexia evaluations. Under the bill, parents have the option to seek a subsequent comprehensive psycho-educational evaluation if their child fails an initial dyslexia screener. Should this subsequent evaluation diagnose dyslexia, the cost—capped at $800—will be reimbursed by the State Department of Education. This initiative aims to facilitate better support for students with dyslexia.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB 781 include the mandate for school districts to accept external evaluations of dyslexia and the associated penalties for non-compliance. Schools that refuse to accept these diagnoses will face fines that could reach the total cost of the evaluations. Critics may argue that this places additional financial pressure on educational institutions, while supporters assert that it prioritizes the needs of students and enhances accountability for effective educational support. Additionally, the bill raises questions about the equitable distribution of resources and the standards for qualifying evaluators.