MS SB2241

Establishes a $6,000 annual salary supplement plus fringe benefits for occupational therapists employed by Mississippi public school districts or the State Board of Education who hold certification as an Occupational Therapist Registered from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.

Occupational therapists must submit certification documentation to the State Department of Education before October 15 for the full supplement or before February 15 for a prorated supplement beginning in the second term.

The supplement applies only to occupational therapists working in non-administrative roles and is limited to one qualifying certification per employee, even if multiple national certifications are held.

Occupational therapists may receive reimbursement up to $500 per component (maximum four components) for costs of completing the certification process, excluding postgraduate course expenses.

The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Section 37-19-7 of the Mississippi Code to add occupational therapists alongside teachers, nurses, counselors, speech-language pathologists, and athletic trainers already receiving similar supplements.