MS HB765

Establishes Individualized Education Funds (IEFs) for eligible students with special needs, funded at the Mississippi Adequate Education Program base cost plus proportionate share of categorical aid programs.

Eligible students include those with an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 accommodation (limited to 500 annually) who are Mississippi residents not currently enrolled in public school.

Parents must agree to provide organized educational programs with measurable goals and release resident school districts from obligations; funds may be used for tuition, textbooks, tutoring, curriculum, transportation, testing fees, special education services, and postsecondary education.

Department of Education administers the program on a first-come, first-serve basis, may deduct up to 3% for administrative costs, conducts annual and random audits, and may remove participants for noncompliance or misuse of funds.

Participating nonpublic schools must comply with health and safety laws, conduct criminal background checks, offer standardized testing options, and certify nondiscrimination compliance, but remain autonomous from state regulation; PEER must report biannually beginning 2018 on program funding adequacy and student performance.