MS HB1425

State Department of Education shall allocate adequate education program funds to school districts with highest incidences of crime, violence, SNAP participation, and unemployment to employ licensed social workers beginning in the 2023-2024 school year.

Social workers employed with state funds must be full-time, licensed under Chapter 53, Title 73, Mississippi Code, and spend at least 75% of work time in direct relationships with students, with no more than 25% on administrative activities.

Department of Human Services shall employ 10 licensed social workers to provide services statewide via video conferencing; school guidance counselors may arrange these services when a crisis or need is identified in schools without a social worker.

School guidance counselors must ensure confidentiality and privacy protections equivalent to in-person services when coordinating video conferencing social worker services with students and interested parties.

State Board of Education may adopt rules and regulations regarding school social worker activities; school districts may also employ additional social workers using local funds.