SUMMARY: Steve Azar’s children’s book “One Mississippi” may soon be required reading for second graders in Mississippi. The House of Representatives passed House Bill 1417 with a 112-1 vote, mandating the State Department of Education to acquire and distribute the book to all public and charter schools by the 2025-26 school year. The bill, authored by Republican Becky Currie, also requires a teaching plan for educators to explain the book’s significance during “Read Across America Week.” “One Mississippi,” which depicts Mississippi history through seven characters, became the state’s official song in 2022 and aims to foster civic pride among students.

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SUMMARY: The Mississippi Senate passed the “REFOCUS Act,” following the House’s similar legislation targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public education. The bill, supported solely by Republicans, aims to make hiring and admissions at public colleges solely merit-based and closes DEI offices. Opponents, including Black Democratic lawmakers, argue it undermines progress and disregards Mississippi’s historical injustices. Sen. Bradford Blackmon emphasized the need for supportive environments for minority students, while bill sponsor Sen. Tyler McCaughn claimed it would enhance academic standards for all. The Senate’s bill differs by focusing only on higher education, unlike the House bill, which affects all public institutions.

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SUMMARY: The Mississippi House of Representatives has passed House Bill 1435, making it easier for parents to transfer their children between public schools. Currently, transferring requires consent from both the losing and receiving schools; the new bill eliminates the losing school’s veto power. Parents can request transfers anytime, with receiving schools given a 60-day period to respond. Although schools can decline transfers due to capacity issues, they cannot discriminate based on various factors. The law includes a $5 million fund to support receiving schools financially. Critics worry the bill could lead to athletic transfer abuse and public funds subsidizing private school enrollments.

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