Mississippi House Bill HB1178

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/24
• Refer: 2/14/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

ESA; authorize use of a diagnosis of dyslexia as a qualifer to determine eligibility for receipt of.

Impact

The implications of HB 1178 are substantial, particularly for students with special educational needs. By incorporating a dyslexia diagnosis as a qualifying criterion for the ESA program, the bill expands educational opportunities for affected students. This move is anticipated to empower parents to seek suitable educational settings that better align with their child's needs. Furthermore, it aims to facilitate a more personalized learning experience, which may lead to improved academic performance and overall satisfaction among both students and parents.

Summary

House Bill 1178 aims to amend existing provisions under the Mississippi Code to enhance the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Specifically, it introduces criteria for students diagnosed with dyslexia to qualify for participation in the program. This adjustment seeks to ensure a broader inclusion of students requiring specialized educational needs and aims to provide them with greater access to tailored educational services. The bill reflects a growing recognition of dyslexia as a significant barrier to educational achievement among children and proposes supportive measures to mitigate this issue.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face scrutiny from opponents who are concerned about the broader implications of diverting public education funds to nonpublic institutions. Critics often argue that such measures can diminish funding for public education systems and contribute to the erosion of accountability found in public schools. Proponents, on the other hand, advocate for parental choice and argue that families should have the right to select the educational environments that best suit their children's unique requirements. The tension between these perspectives remains a central point of debate around HB 1178.