Mississippi House Bill HB441

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

School social workers and psychologists; authorize districts to employ and receive partial state reimbursement for salaries of.

Impact

A critical aspect of HB441 is its reimbursement provision, which stipulates that school districts employing at least one social worker or psychologist for every one thousand students can receive reimbursement for fifty percent of the salary costs for these professionals from the State Department of Education. This financial support is aimed at alleviating some of the budgetary burdens faced by school districts and encouraging them to invest in student services that can improve overall student well-being and performance.

Summary

House Bill 441 is proposed legislation aimed at enhancing the support services available in Mississippi public schools. The bill authorizes local school boards to employ licensed social workers and licensed psychologists to provide essential services to students. This legislative move acknowledges the growing need for mental health and emotional support in educational settings, particularly in light of increasing challenges faced by students in contemporary society. The initiative is designed to ensure that students have access to important social and psychological resources directly within their schools.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to provide better mental health resources in schools, there may be differing opinions on the adequacy of the proposed funding model. Concerns may arise regarding whether the reimbursement rate will sufficiently cover the costs involved, particularly in districts with higher student populations or where salaries for qualified social workers and psychologists may be higher. Additionally, there may be debate over the balance of state oversight versus local control when implementing such programs, as individual school boards may have varying capacities and strategies for effectively deploying these resources.