MS HB1004

Establishes the Nate Rogers Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program allowing students with IEPs or 504 plans to receive scholarships to attend Mississippi accredited nonpublic schools or transfer to different public schools, beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.

Defines eligible students as K-12 with documented disabilities including intellectual disabilities, speech/language impairments, hearing/visual impairments, orthopedic impairments, emotional disturbances, specific learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia), traumatic brain injury, developmental delays, or autism spectrum disorder.

Sets scholarship amount at the lesser of the state's Adequate Education Program base cost plus categorical aid per pupil or the school's estimated costs for serving the student, with parents responsible for any difference if the school's costs exceed the scholarship.

Requires school districts to notify parents of all options within 10 days of an IEP or 504 plan issuance, complete disability evaluations within 60 days, and provide transportation if parents choose another public school within the district.

Authorizes the Office of the State Auditor to approve nonpublic schools and deny, suspend, or revoke their participation for noncompliance, with 30 days to cure correctable violations unless student health/safety is threatened.