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HB 1163

ESA; authorize use of a diagnosis of dyslexia as a qualifier to determine eligibility for receipt of.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Byrd

Mississippi bill proposed allowing dyslexia diagnosis to qualify families for Education Savings Accounts, but died in committee before advancing.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1163

Legislative bill overview

HB 1163 would authorize dyslexia diagnosis as a qualifying condition for Education Savings Account (ESA) eligibility in Mississippi. This would allow families of students with dyslexia to access state education funding through ESA programs, which typically permit funds to be used for alternative educational services, tutoring, or private school tuition.

Why is this important

Dyslexia is a common learning disability affecting 5-10% of the population, yet access to specialized intervention can be costly. Expanding ESA eligibility could provide families with more educational options and resources to address dyslexia-specific needs without waiting for traditional public school services. However, the bill died in committee before passage, so this expansion did not occur.

Potential points of contention

  • ESA funding mechanism: Critics question whether ESAs effectively serve students with disabilities, as private providers may lack expertise or willingness to serve students with learning disabilities compared to public schools
  • Definition concerns: No universally agreed-upon clinical standard exists for dyslexia diagnosis; varying diagnostic criteria could create inconsistent eligibility across districts
  • Public school impact: ESA funding diverts per-pupil resources from public schools, potentially undermining literacy intervention programs that serve broader student populations including undiagnosed cases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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