AN ACT TO PROVIDE CERTAIN INTERVENTION AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FOR LITERACY PROFICIENCY AMONG STUDENTS IN GRADES 4-8; TO DEFINE TERMINOLOGY; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL AND DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERS, CONTENT-AREA TEACHERS, LITERACY COACHES, DYSLEXIA THERAPISTS, INTERVENTIONISTS, TUTORS, AND OTHER IDENTIFIED PERSONNEL TO ENSURE THEY HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS IN GRADES 4-8 WITH READING DIFFICULTIES; TO PRESCRIBE WHAT THE SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS SHALL ENTAIL; TO REQUIRE THAT ANY STUDENT IN GRADES 4-8 EXHIBITING DEFICIENCIES IN READING SHALL RECEIVE AN INDIVIDUAL READING PLAN (IRP) NO LATER THAN 30 DAYS AFTER THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE READING DEFICIENCY; TO SPECIFY THAT THE IRP SHALL BE CREATED BY THE TEACHER, INTERVENTIONIST, PRINCIPAL, OTHER PERTINENT SCHOOL PERSONNEL, AND PARENT AND SHALL DESCRIBE THE SCIENTIFICALLY RESEARCHED AND EVIDENCED-BASED READING INTERVENTION SERVICES THE STUDENT SHALL RECEIVE TO REMEDY THE READING DEFICIT; TO REQUIRE WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF THE PARENT OF ANY STUDENT IN GRADES 4-8 WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS OF THE IDENTIFICATION OF A READING DEFICIENCY; TO REQUIRE THAT ANY INCOMING STUDENT IN GRADES 4-8 IDENTIFIED WITH A READING DEFICIENCY BE PROVIDED WITH SUPPLEMENTAL OR INTENSIVE INTERVENTIONS DEPENDENT UPON THE SEVERITY OF THE DEFICIT SKILLS TO ADDRESS THE SPECIFIC DEFICIENCY; TO PROHIBIT THE PROMOTION OF STUDENTS WHOSE READING DEFICIENCY IS NOT REMEDIED BEFORE THE END OF EIGHTH GRADE; TO SET OUT THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE THIS ACT AND MAY PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS AS NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-11-18.1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "HABITUALLY DISRUPTIVE" IN THE CONTEXT OF SCHOOL BEHAVIOR; TO IMPOSE ADDITIONAL STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION PLANS, AND FOR RESPONSES TO NONCOMPLIANCE WITH SUCH PLANS, WITH REFERENCE TO THE FEDERAL INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IN EDUCATION ACT (IDEA) AND THE FEDERAL REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ENACT THE "2026 YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR ALL ACT"; TO PROVIDE LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; TO ESTABLISH THE "STUDENT 24/7 TELETHERAPY PILOT PROJECT" WITHIN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO AWARD GRANT FUNDING TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS, CHARTER SCHOOLS, AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE PROVISION OF TELETHERAPY SERVICES TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 5 THROUGH 12; TO EXPRESS THE INTENT THAT THE PROJECT BE FUNDED FROM THE EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT FUND; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO USE UP TO 10% OF THE FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR THE PROJECT TO ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM; TO LIST MINIMUM VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS; TO LIST REQUIRED FEATURES FOR THE VENDOR'S PLATFORM AND SERVICE MODEL; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE BY OCTOBER 1, 2027, DETAILING THE PARTICIPATION RATES, USAGE DATA, AND STUDENT OUTCOMES OBSERVED DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PILOT PROJECT; TO AMEND SECTION 37-61-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE "MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS SCHOOL SAFETY ACT" FOR THE PURPOSE OF AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ASSIST LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES WITH THE COST OF EMPLOYING A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) AT EACH SCHOOL CAMPUS WITHIN THE JURISDICTIONS OF THEIR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GOVERNING AUTHORITIES; TO REQUIRE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES TO MAKE JOINT APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE APPROVAL OF ALLOCATION OF FUNDS; TO SPECIFY THE INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION; TO PRESCRIBE THE DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING OR INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN A LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AND A SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS SCHOOL SAFETY FUND AS A SPECIAL FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY; TO PROVIDE THAT MONIES IN THE SPECIAL FUND SHALL BE USED TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES FOR THE PURPOSES DESCRIBED IN THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 37-7-321, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-14-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF HEALTHY SCHOOLS OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A SALARY SCHEDULE FOR SCHOOL NURSES BASED ON THEIR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE THAT ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL USE WHEN EMPLOYING SCHOOL NURSES, WHICH SCHEDULE SHALL BE THE MINIMUM SALARY AMOUNTS PAID TO SCHOOL NURSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM THROUGH COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH; TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS IN LINE WITH EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS, PARTICULARLY THE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL THREAT ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES (CSTAG) AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL VIA THE MISSISSIPPI OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL BOARDS TO PROVIDE FOR THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS AT EACH SCHOOL; TO REQUIRE THE THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS OF CONCERN, ASSESSING RISKS, AND IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS; TO REQUIRE THE TEAMS BE A MULTIDISCIPLINARY COMPOSITION TO INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, LICENSED INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF, ADMINISTRATORS, SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS AND DESIGNATED SCHOOL SAFETY SPECIALISTS; TO PRESCRIBE PROCEDURES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, INCLUDING THE USE OF MOBILE CRISIS TEAMS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT CONSULTATION WHEN NEEDED; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FOR REPORTING THREATS AND DEFINING THE ROLE OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS IN HANDLING INCIDENTS; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT PARENTAL NOTIFICATION POLICIES THAT ALSO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT; TO PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF THREAT ASSESSMENT RECORDS; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP PROTOCOLS FOR DOCUMENTING THREAT ASSESSMENTS AND TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE REPORT; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-91, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PARTNER WITH THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND MISSISSIPPI OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO PROVIDE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT TRAINING; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-93, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO INTEGRATE SUCCESS SEQUENCE AND CHARACTER EDUCATION INTO THE REQUIRED CURRICULUM FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 12 OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND TO DEVELOP A SUCCESS SEQUENCE AND CHARACTER EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR USE BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL BOARDS TO IMPLEMENT, NOT LATER THAN THE START OF THE 2028-2029 SCHOOL YEAR, EITHER THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT OR A CURRICULUM DEVELOPED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD AND APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT; TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED CONTENT FOR SUCH A CURRICULUM; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO CONSULT WITH PARENTS, EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CURRICULUM; TO SPECIFY THAT PROSELYTIZING OR INDOCTRINATING CONCERNING ANY SPECIFIC RELIGIOUS OR POLITICAL BELIEF IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR THE CURRICULA; TO EXEMPT OPTIONAL AFTER-SCHOOL INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS LED BY THIRD PARTIES FROM SUCH PROHIBITION; TO REQUIRE DATA COMPILATION AND ANNUAL REPORTING BY THE DEPARTMENT; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO ACCEPT MONEY FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SOURCES TO USE IN ASSISTING SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN IMPLEMENTING THE CURRICULA; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-151-85, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT EACH SCHOOL BUS DRIVER SHALL RECEIVE AN ANNUAL SALARY SUPPLEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT CREATE A NEW SECTION WITHIN TITLE 41, CHAPTER 61, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE AUTOPSY IN THE CASE OF A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED DEATH OF AN INFANT OR CHILD, INCLUDING CASES OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS), SUDDEN UNEXPECTED INFANT DEATH (SUID) OR SUDDEN DEATH IN THE YOUNG (SDY), MUST INCLUDE MICROSCOPIC AND TOXICOLOGY STUDIES AND A REVIEW OF THE CHILD'S IMMUNIZATION AND MEDICAL RECORDS; TO REQUIRE THAT THE MEDICAL EXAMINER DOCUMENT IN THE AUTOPSY REPORT ANY IMMUNIZATIONS AND EMERGENCY COUNTERMEASURES ADMINISTERED TO THE INFANT OR CHILD WITHIN 90 DAYS BEFORE THE INFANT'S OR CHILD'S DEATH AND REPORT THE CASE TO THE SUID AND SDY CASE REGISTRY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE AUTOPSY IN THE CASE OF A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED DEATH SUSPECTED TO BE CAUSED BY SUDDEN ARRHYTHMIC DEATH SYNDROME (SADS) IN AN INDIVIDUAL OF ANY AGE MUST INCLUDE MICROSCOPIC AND TOXICOLOGY STUDIES AND A REVIEW OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S IMMUNIZATION AND MEDICAL RECORDS; TO REQUIRE THAT THE MEDICAL EXAMINER DOCUMENT IN THE AUTOPSY REPORT ANY IMMUNIZATIONS AND EMERGENCY COUNTERMEASURES ADMINISTERED TO THE INDIVIDUAL WITHIN 90 DAYS BEFORE HIS OR HER DEATH AND REPORT THE CASE TO THE SUID AND SDY CASE REGISTRY IF THE INDIVIDUAL WAS YOUNGER THAN 20 YEARS OF AGE AT THE TIME OF DEATH; TO ESTABLISH ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES TO BE IMPOSED AGAINST A COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER WHO FAILS TO REPORT A CASE OF SIDS, SUID OR SDY, OR OF SADS FOR INDIVIDUALS YOUNGER THAN 20 YEARS OF AGE, TO THE SUID AND SDY CASE REGISTRY WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER COMPLETING THE AUTOPSY REPORT; TO DESIGNATE COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS AS A PERMISSIBLE DISCLOSURE UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL MEDICAL PRIVACY LAWS; TO DEFINE TERMS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 41-61-59, 41-61-63 AND 41-61-65, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-21-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT, ON JULY 1, 2026, THE STATE-INVESTED PRE-K (SIP) PROGRAM SHALL BE TERMINATED, ALL MONIES ALLOCATED THERETO SHALL BE REALLOCATED TO THE EARLY LEARNING COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM, AND ALL SIP PARTICIPANTS SHALL BE ENROLLED AUTOMATICALLY IN THE EARLY LEARNING COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-13-61, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ENACT THE MISSISSIPPI OPEN TO RELIGION ACT; TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNING BOARD OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT OR PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL TO ADOPT A POLICY REQUIRING EVERY CAMPUS OF THE DISTRICT OR SCHOOL TO PROVIDE STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A PERIOD OF PRAYER AND READING OF THE BIBLE OR OTHER RELIGIOUS TEXT ON EACH SCHOOL DAY; TO PROVIDE THE TERMS OF THE POLICY; TO PROVIDE FOR CONSENT AND REVOCATION OF CONSENT BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS, OR THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF STUDENTS; TO SPECIFY THAT COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ACT SHALL BE REQUIRED BEGINNING WITH THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-28-61, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO LIMIT TO 12 MONTHS THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OF A CHARTER SCHOOL TO PURCHASE OR LEASE CLOSED PUBLIC SCHOOL PROPERTY IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS LOCATED; TO SPECIFY THAT THIS PROVISION SHALL NOT IMPAIR ANY RIGHTS OF A CHARTER SCHOOL UNDER A CONTRACT FOR PURCHASE OR LEASE OF THE PROPERTY ENTERED WITH THE DISTRICT DURING THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD; TO AMEND SECTION 37-7-455, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT, WITHIN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE CLOSURE OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITY OR PROPERTY, NO PURCHASE OR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH ANY ENTITY OTHER THAN A CHARTER SCHOOL LOCATED IN THE DISTRICT MAY BE ENTERED, UNLESS EACH SUCH CHARTER SCHOOL HAS NOTIFIED THE SCHOOL BOARD THAT IT IS NOT EXERCISING ITS RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ON THE PROPERTY; TO AMEND SECTION 37-7-477, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE A SCHOOL BOARD TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE USES, CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 37-7-473, FOR PROPERTY CONVEYED OR LEASED; TO REQUIRE THE INSTRUMENT CONVEYING OR LEASING THE PROPERTY TO INCLUDE PROCEDURES FOR SEEKING AND OBTAINING BOARD APPROVAL FOR ALTERNATIVE USES NOT SPECIFIED IN THE INSTRUMENT; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 37-7-473, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO ENACT THE STUDENTS SAFE AT SCHOOL ACT; TO DEFINE TERMS UNDER THE ACT; TO OUTLINE STANDARDS; TO PROVIDE FOR STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROTOCOLS; TO SET FORTH NOTICE REQUIREMENTS; TO ADDRESS STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SHOOTER DRILLS; TO ADDRESS STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVE SHOOTER SIMULATIONS; TO REQUIRE VIOLENCE PREVENTION TRAINING; TO PROVIDE FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SAFETY PLANNING; TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLICATION OF VENDORS; TO CREATE GUIDELINES TO MEASURE EFFECTIVENESS OF DRILLS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 1, CHAPTER 431, LAWS OF 2024, TO EXTEND THE OPERATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI K-12 AND POSTSECONDARY MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR; TO PROVIDE THAT THE TASK FORCE SHALL DEVELOP AND REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2026; TO DISSOLVE THE TASK FORCE UPON PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT DUE ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2026; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

AN ACT TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 37-57-107, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.