Mississippi House Bill HB1165

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

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

Impact

The proposed changes would allow a greater number of students to qualify for the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program, thereby affording them access to alternative educational options that may better suit their learning needs. By defining eligibility to encompass students with dyslexia who do not meet the criteria for other existing scholarships, the bill is set to enhance educational equity and support for students requiring specific educational interventions.

Summary

House Bill 1165 aims to amend the definitions related to the 'Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act' within the Mississippi Code. The bill specifically revises the definitions of 'eligible student' and 'eligible school' to include students diagnosed with dyslexia, who are not currently receiving assistance from the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia program. This inclusion is pivotal for expanding educational opportunities for students with specific learning disabilities, particularly those in need of tailored instruction due to dyslexia.

Contention

Potential areas of contention surrounding HB 1165 may arise from concerns over the adequacy of resources allocated to these students and whether the existing educational institutions can effectively meet the needs of an expanded group of eligible students. Critics may voice apprehensions regarding whether the inclusion will inevitably strain resources and lead to a decline in support for students who currently benefit from specialized programs. Therefore, while the intent of the bill focuses on inclusivity, its successful implementation hinges on addressing these logistical uncertainties.