Bill > HB441

This bill authorizes local school districts in Mississippi to employ licensed social workers and licensed psychologists to provide services to students, with a specific funding mechanism for reimbursement. Under the bill, school boards can hire these mental health professionals at their discretion, with compensation determined by the school board itself. To incentivize hiring, the bill establishes that school districts which employ at least one social worker or psychologist for every 1,000 students enrolled will be eligible to receive a 50% reimbursement of the professional's salary from the State Department of Education. To obtain this reimbursement, the school district's superintendent must apply to the State Department of Education following the department's prescribed application process. The department will then reimburse the district for half the salary of qualifying social workers and psychologists, using funds specifically designated for this purpose. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving school districts time to prepare for potential implementation of these new mental health professional staffing options.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0441.xml