AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN ALLOCATION OF FUNDS UNDER THE MISSISSIPPI STUDENT FUNDING FORMULA TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVING THE HIGHEST INCIDENCES OF CRIME AND VIOLENCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYING SOCIAL WORKERS; TO DIRECT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DETERMINE WHICH SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL RECEIVE ALLOCATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS; TO REQUIRE SOCIAL WORKERS EMPLOYED WITH THOSE FUNDS TO BE APPROPRIATELY LICENSED; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE ACTIVITIES OF SOCIAL WORKERS; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO JOINTLY ESTABLISH A PROGRAM TO MAKE THE SERVICES OF SOCIAL WORKERS ACCESSIBLE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE STATE VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING MEANS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO EMPLOY TEN SOCIAL WORKERS TO STAFF THE VIDEO CONFERENCING PROGRAM; TO AUTHORIZE SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELORS WHO IDENTIFY A NEED FOR THE SERVICES OF A SOCIAL WORKER TO ARRANGE FOR THOSE SERVICES VIA THE VIDEO CONFERENCING PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 37-151-209, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The implementation of HB191 is expected to significantly enhance the support system available to students who may face challenges due to their socio-economic environments. By ensuring that licensed social workers are accessible in schools, it aims to foster a more supportive educational atmosphere where student mental health and wellbeing are prioritized. The bill also emphasizes the need for social workers to maintain a strong presence in the schools, mandating that at least 75% of their time be dedicated to direct engagement with students.
Summary
House Bill 191 aims to allocate funds under the Mississippi Student Funding Formula to school districts that experience high incidences of crime and violence. This legislative effort is focused on employing licensed social workers to help address the needs of students in these high-need districts. Starting from the 2025-2026 school year, the State Department of Education will designate specific school districts for these allocations based on various indicators of need such as crime rates, violence occurrences, SNAP participation, and unemployment levels.
Contention
Notably, the bill specifies that the services of social workers should not only be available in-person but also via video conferencing, which could broaden access while maintaining confidentiality. There may be points of contention regarding the adequacy of funding and resources available for these roles and whether the allocation process sufficiently identifies the districts in greatest need. Critics may express concerns about the effectiveness of remote support compared to traditional in-person services, raising questions about the implementation and execution of such a program.