Bill > HB634

This bill amends Mississippi law to provide an annual salary supplement of $6,000, plus fringe benefits, to occupational therapists and school psychologists who are employed by a school district or the State Department of Education and hold specific national certifications: an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) for occupational therapists, and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) for school psychologists. To receive the full supplement, these professionals must submit documentation of their certification to the State Department of Education by October 15th of the school year, or by February 15th for a prorated amount starting in the second term. The bill also clarifies that these supplements are in addition to any other compensation and that school districts cannot reduce the local supplement paid to these employees. Furthermore, it expands the reimbursement for the cost of obtaining certifications to include occupational therapists and school psychologists, with a limit of $500 per component for up to four components. This legislation aims to incentivize and retain qualified occupational therapists and school psychologists within Mississippi's public education system.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0634.xml