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Bill > HB195
MS HB195
MS HB195School districts; require drug testing of students suspended for disciplinary infractions.
summary
Introduced
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
In Committee
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Require Drug Testing Of Public School Students In Grades Six Through Twelve Who Have Been Suspended; To Declare Legislative Findings Relating To Student Drug Usage And The Purposes Of This Act; To Define Certain Terms Used Under The Act; To Require Each Local School Board To Adopt A Policy Requiring Drug Testing Students In Grades Six Through Twelve Who Are Suspended For Disciplinary Infractions And To Prescribe Certain Components That Must Be In The Policy, Including A Provision Requiring A Student's Parent To Pay The Cost Of The Drug Test; To Provide For The Actions To Be Taken When A Student's Drug Test Is Positive; To Provide That Student Drug Tests Will Be Administered By The County Health Department And To Prescribe The Manner In Which The Testing Must Be Performed; To Provide For The Disclosure Of Positive Test Results And To Require Information Relating To A Student's Drug Test To Be Kept Confidential And Separate From The Student's Cumulative Folder; To Authorize A Student To Present Evidence Of The Proper Use Of A Prescription Medication As An Affirmative Defense To A Positive Drug Test; To Authorize School Districts To Offer In-school Counseling Or Referral Information For Students Testing Positive For Drugs; To Require The State Board Of Education, In Consultation With The State Board Of Health And Department Of Mental Health, To Adopt Rules And Regulations Necessary To Carry Out The Provisions Of This Act; To Require The State Department Of Education To Prepare A Model Drug Testing Policy For School Districts; To Amend Section 37-15-9, Mississippi Code Of 1972, In Conformity To The Preceding Provisions; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill mandates drug testing for students in grades 6-12 who are suspended for disciplinary infractions in Mississippi public schools. The legislation aims to create a safe, drug-free educational environment by requiring school districts to implement a drug testing policy for suspended students. Under the bill, students must undergo drug testing within 72 hours of suspension and provide a negative test result before returning to class. If a student tests positive, the school must refer them to the Department of Mental Health for assessment and potential substance abuse intervention. The bill specifies detailed procedures for drug testing, including specimen collection at county health departments, maintaining student dignity, and ensuring confidentiality of test results. Parents will be responsible for the cost of drug tests, and students can challenge positive results by presenting evidence of prescribed medication use. The policy requires schools to provide students and parents with advance notice, and it prohibits sharing test results with law enforcement. Additionally, schools may offer counseling or referral information for students with positive test results. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and requires the State Board of Education to develop model policies and guidelines for implementation.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0195.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/HB/0100-0199/HB0195IN.htm |
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