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HB 1417

One Mississippi; require State Dept of Ed. to provide copies to every student in Grade 2 for instruction during "Read Across America Week."

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Becky Currie

Mississippi would fund free copies of "One Mississippi" for all second-graders during Read Across America Week, requiring state education department distribution.

Died In Committee
#appropriations #education
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Bill Summary · HB 1417

Legislative bill overview

HB 1417 requires Mississippi's Department of Education to distribute free copies of "One Mississippi" (a children's book) to every second-grade student for use during "Read Across America Week." The bill passed the House but died in Senate committee during the 2025 legislative session.

Why is this important

The bill represents an attempt to promote literacy and in-state literary content by mandating state-funded book distribution to elementary students. It reflects broader policy debates about curriculum materials, state spending on educational resources, and whether specific titles should receive official government promotion and funding.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: Distributing books to all second-graders statewide requires significant appropriations that could compete with other educational funding priorities
  • Selection criteria: Questions about why this particular book was chosen and whether the state should pick specific titles for mandatory distribution versus letting schools/teachers select materials
  • "Read Across America Week" timing: The designated week (typically March 2nd) may not align with all school schedules, creating implementation challenges and potential waste if books arrive at the wrong time

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

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