Bill > HB370

This bill establishes a comprehensive program to provide social workers in Mississippi school districts with high incidences of crime and violence, starting in the 2024-2025 school year. The State Department of Education will allocate funding through the Mississippi Student Funding Formula to select school districts based on metrics like crime rates, violence, SNAP participation, and unemployment. Social workers must be fully licensed, work at least 75% of their time directly with students, and cannot spend more than 25% of their day on administrative tasks. Additionally, the bill creates a statewide video conferencing program where the Department of Human Services will employ ten social workers who can be accessed remotely by school guidance counselors when a student needs additional support. School guidance counselors can request video conference sessions with these social workers when they identify a student crisis or counseling need, with strict confidentiality protocols in place. The program does not prevent school districts from hiring additional social workers with local funds, and the State Board of Education can adopt rules and regulations governing the social workers' activities. The bill will go into effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to provide additional mental health and social support resources in schools with the greatest need.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0370.xml