Bill > HB618

This bill authorizes the creation of up to three "locally sponsored virtual public schools" in Mississippi, which are full-time online public schools offering synchronous and asynchronous instruction. These schools can be established by public school districts, regional education service agencies, or "districts of innovation" (which are schools or districts approved for flexibility to improve student performance). The bill defines "locally sponsored virtual public school" and clarifies that "distance learning" does not fulfill the requirement for synchronous instruction. It also outlines that these virtual schools must be free to students and open to any student in the state, regardless of their home district. When a student enrolls in a virtual school outside their home district, the State Department of Education will transfer funds from the student's home district's local operational tax levy to the virtual school's sponsoring entity, withholding this amount from the home district's Adequate Education Program funds. The bill also mandates that locally sponsored virtual public schools adopt specific enrollment policies, including application timeframes, notification procedures for out-of-district students, waiting list policies, parental input rights, and engagement policies to prevent student removal. Additionally, it amends provisions related to "districts of innovation" to include locally sponsored virtual public schools within their scope, allowing them to pursue innovative practices, including virtual instruction, and receive flexibility from certain regulations.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0618.xml