Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB3172

Introduced

2/20/26

Refer

2/20/26

Failed

2/25/26

Caption

AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH GRANTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS, PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE PROVISION OF TELETHERAPY SERVICES TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 5 THROUGH 12 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027.

Impact

The bill seeks to enhance mental health support for school-aged children by facilitating access to teletherapy services. Such services can play a critical role in addressing issues related to mental health, giving students a channel for professional support in a more accessible way. The appropriation is intended to lessen the financial burdens on educational institutions that wish to incorporate mental health resources for their students, thereby potentially leading to improved educational outcomes and student well-being.

Summary

Senate Bill 3172 is a proposed legislation that appropriates $2,400,000 from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Department of Education. The primary objective of this funding is to support grants provided to school districts, public charter schools, and nonpublic schools for the implementation of teletherapy services aimed at students in grades 5 through 12. This initiative is planned for the fiscal year 2027, which begins on July 1, 2026, and runs until June 30, 2027.

Contention

While specific points of contention surrounding SB3172 were not detailed in the provided excerpts, appropriations bills like this one often draw varied opinions regarding funding priorities in education. Stakeholders may debate the amount allocated for teletherapy against other pressing needs within education, such as infrastructure, traditional counseling services, or academic resources. Moreover, the efficacy and implementation of teletherapy services could be subject to scrutiny, including concerns over technological accessibility and the adequacy of such services compared to in-person therapy.

Notable points

This bill represents a significant acknowledgment of the need for mental health resources in educational settings, particularly post-pandemic where student mental health has become increasingly prominent. The specific targeting of students in grades 5 through 12 reflects a focus on adolescents, a group that often faces significant mental health challenges. As the bill progresses, discussions will likely revolve around its impact, allocation of resources, and the potential for such services to address the evolving needs of students.

Latest MS SB3172 Activity

View All Events: MS 2026 Regular Session SB3172

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1433

The "Flexible and Rightful Education Enrollment (FREE) Act;" establish for students in "D" and "F" schools and districts.

MS HB761

Nonpublic school students; prohibit public school districts from restricting participation of in public school extracurricular activities.

MS HB1527

Financial literacy curriculum; require State Board of Education to create for all public school students in Grades 6-8.

MS SB3259

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to the Okolona School District for making improvements to school buildings.

MS HB703

School resource officers; authorize local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreement with independent nonpublic schools to provide.

MS HB821

School resource officers; authorize local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreement with independent nonpublic schools to provide.

MS HB1277

School resource officers; authorize local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreement with independent nonpublic schools to provide.

MS HB1432

MS Charter School Act of 2013; revise to expand opportunities for establishment of charter schools in certain districts.

MS SB2617

Charter schools; bring forward code section regarding payments from State Department of Education.

MS SB3156

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to the Smith County School District for expansion of its Career and Technical Education Center.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.