Senate Bill 2539 Summary

• Amends the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program to allow scholarships for students in grades 1-12 diagnosed with dyslexia to attend public schools of choice or nonpublic schools providing specialized dyslexia therapy services.

• Requires participating nonpublic schools to be accredited by state, regional, or national accrediting organizations and allows schools in adjacent states to participate; permits out-of-state placement when appropriate services are unavailable within 30 miles of student's residence.

• Establishes that parent or legal guardian must be a Mississippi resident to apply for scholarship; requires 30-day advance notice before first scholarship payment and mandates students remain enrolled throughout the school year unless excused for illness or good cause.

• Directs public school districts to provide age-appropriate dyslexia therapy services to diagnosed students on a first-come, first-served basis using state, local, or federal funds; allows districts to provide services in adjacent districts with home district reimbursement.

• Requires dyslexia screening and evaluation results to be placed in student's cumulative file; allows school financial audits by private accounting firms in addition to State Auditor; takes effect July 1, 2018.