Senate Bill Expands School Choices for Special Needs Children

JACKSON – The Mississippi Senate today passed legislation allowing parents of special needs students to have a choice in their child’s education, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said.

Senate Bill 2325 by Sen. Nancy Collins, R-Tupelo, would allow parents of special needs children to remove their child from public school and place the student in a private school. The bill moves to the House for consideration.

“I applaud Sen. Collins for bringing this bill forward to help our state’s most vulnerable citizens,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “The bill gives parents of special needs children the option to customize education to the needs of their child and give them the best opportunity for success.”

The bill allows education funds to follow the child from public school to private school. The funds also could be used for other services, including occupational therapy and speech therapy.

The Department of Education would oversee accountability for the program, ensuring the funds are used appropriately.