HB 893 Summary

• Requires the State Department of Education to allocate adequate education program funds to school districts with highest incidences of crime, violence, food stamp participation, and unemployment for employing licensed social workers starting in fiscal year 2011-2012.

• School social workers must be full-time, appropriately licensed under Mississippi law, and spend at least 75% of work time in direct student relationships with no more than 25% on administrative activities.

• Establishes a video conferencing program operated by the Department of Human Services employing 10 licensed social workers to provide services statewide to schools without social workers when school guidance counselors identify need.

• Requires school guidance counselors to maintain confidentiality and privacy protections for students receiving social worker services via video conferencing.

• Amends Section 37-151-7 of the Mississippi Code to incorporate social worker funding allocations into the adequate education program formula effective July 1, 2011.