Bill > HB188

This bill, known as the "Volunteer and Parents Incentive Program," establishes a program under the State Department of Education to support students and inform parents. It defines "at-risk student" broadly to include those facing academic difficulties, such as being behind in grade level or credits, having low test scores or grades, or experiencing challenges like family relocations, poor social adjustment, or abuse. The bill also defines "Department" as the State Department of Education, "institution of higher education" as a four-year college or university in Mississippi, and "qualifying public school" as a school in an unaccredited or provisionally accredited district, a district with indicators of economic hardship, or a school with over 50% at-risk students. A key provision requires the Department to create and publish a document titled "The Parents' Bill of Rights" by January 1, 2027, which will inform parents of children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) about their rights under federal and state law, including rights related to IEP meetings, evaluations, school records, and complaint procedures, and this publication must be posted online and provided to parents by school districts. The bill also mandates that the Department develop rules and regulations to implement these provisions, ensuring compliance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, and will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0188.xml