Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1823

Introduced
2/3/26  
Refer
2/3/26  

Caption

Appropriation; Dept. of Education for funding the Student 24/7 Teletherapy Pilot Project.

Impact

In terms of its impact on state laws, HB1823 signifies a commitment to enhancing mental health resources for students across Mississippi. By providing dedicated funding for teletherapy services, the bill supports the legislative goal of prioritizing student wellbeing and accessibility to necessary mental health services. This initiative is particularly relevant given the growing concerns around student mental health, which has been exacerbated by recent challenges in educational environments.

Summary

House Bill 1823 proposes an appropriation of $2,400,000 to the State Department of Education from the Education Enhancement Fund for the fiscal year 2027. The primary purpose of this funding is to support the Student 24/7 Teletherapy Pilot Project, which was established under House Bill No. 1463. This initiative aims to provide students with around-the-clock access to mental health therapy services, thus addressing the increasing need for mental health support in educational settings.

Contention

While the bill is likely to be viewed positively by advocates of student mental health initiatives, there may be some contention regarding the funding allocation. Opponents might raise concerns about the funding's sufficiency or the effectiveness of teletherapy compared to in-person services. Additionally, discussions surrounding budget priorities could arise, especially if there are competing needs within the education sector that vie for appropriations. Overall, the establishment of such pilot projects remains a balancing act of resources, efficacy, and legislative support.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB173

Appropriation; Lee and Monroe counties for funding The National Resource Camp pilot program.

MS HB1852

Appropriation; Department of Employment Security for funding the MS Connecting Career Technical Education Employability Program.

MS HB42

Appropriation; Education, Department of.

MS HB1769

Appropriation; Educational Television, Authority for.

MS SB2916

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to MDE for the Mississippi Dyslexia Education Funding Grant Program.

MS HB43

Appropriation; Educational Television, Authority for.

MS HB1768

Appropriation; Education, Department of.

MS SB2904

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Claiborne County for enhancing education and infrastructure projects.

MS HB1709

Appropriation; City of Carthage for programs and projects for police department.

MS HB1795

Appropriation; Town of Fayette for various projects.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.