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Senate Bill 1212 would statutorily fund four university‑based programs serving young children with IEPs
Summary
Senate Bill 1212 directs statutory funding for four university‑based programs serving roughly 140 children (ages 0–5) with IEPs—Children's Hospital, MSU's TK Martin, Southern MS Children's Center and Debard—equaling about $3.6 million under current formula; committee advanced the bill by voice vote.
Senate Bill 1212, explained to the Appropriations Committee by Senator Dar, would place four university‑based programs (UBPs) into statute so they receive funding under the state's formula rather than at the Department of Education's discretion.
Senator Dar said the bill affects four UBPs—Children's Hospital, MSU's TK Martin, Southern MS Children's Center and Debard—that currently serve roughly 140 students (generally ages 0–5) with Individualized Education Programs and other special‑needs services. The sponsor said no new funding is required; under the current funding formula the programs receive about $3.6 million. The Gulf Coast campus expansion could add about 60 students to that total.
Senator Dupri asked whether students must have IEPs, and Senator Dar confirmed that the programs serve children with IEPs or comparable special‑needs service plans and that students return to their home school districts when appropriate. The motion that the title was sufficient and the bill "do pass" was approved by voice vote; no roll‑call tally appears in the transcript.
If enacted, the bill would change the funding mechanism from discretionary department grants to a statutory funding stream reflecting base student costs and additional weights in the funding formula.
