Bill

Bill > HB225


MS HB225

MS HB225
School districts; require drug testing of truant students in Grade 6-12.


summary

Introduced
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Require Drug Testing Of Public School Students In Grades Six Through Twelve Who Have Been Deemed Truant In Violation Of Allowable Absences Under The "compulsory School Attendance Law"; 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 Excessively Absent 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 37-13-91, Mississippi Code Of 1972, In Conformity To The Preceding Provisions; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill requires school districts to implement drug testing for students in grades 6 through 12 who are deemed truant, meaning they have exceeded the allowable number of excused and unexcused absences under the "Compulsory School Attendance Law." The policy must specify that truant students will be drug tested, with results provided within 72 hours, and students must show a negative test before returning to class. If a test is positive, the student will be referred to the Department of Mental Health for assessment and potential intervention. Parents or guardians are responsible for the cost of the drug tests, and while schools can offer counseling or referrals, positive test results will not be reported to law enforcement. The bill also defines terms like "drug test" and "illegal drug," outlines procedures for specimen collection and testing, and allows students to present evidence of proper prescription medication use as a defense against a positive result. The State Board of Education, in consultation with other health and mental health departments, will establish necessary rules and regulations, and the State Department of Education will provide a model drug testing policy for districts.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)

bill text


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