Bill > HB796

This bill strengthens regulations surrounding teacher and administrator licensure by adding provisions that require the denial or revocation of a license for individuals who have been convicted of physically abusing a student. Specifically, the bill amends the existing Mississippi education law to mandate that the State Board of Education must deny a license application or immediately revoke a current license for anyone who has been convicted of, pled guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to physical child abuse of a student, or who is currently on probation or post-release supervision for such a conviction. This change is part of the state's ongoing efforts to protect students by ensuring that educators who have committed physical abuse against students are prevented from working in schools. The bill adds two new subsections to the existing licensure law that explicitly outline these disqualifying conditions, making it clear that physical abuse of a student is grounds for immediate and permanent removal of an educator's license. The new provisions are consistent with existing rules that already prohibit educators from working in schools if they have committed sexual offenses against students. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving school districts and the State Department of Education time to prepare for its implementation.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0796.xml