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HB 786

Special education teachers; provide annual salary supplement to those exposed to bodily fluids of students.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carolyn Crawford

Mississippi HB 786 would pay special education teachers annual supplements for occupational exposure to student bodily fluids, but died in committee without passage.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 786

Legislative bill overview

HB 786 would establish an annual salary supplement for special education teachers in Mississippi who are exposed to bodily fluids of students during their work. The bill was introduced by Representative Carolyn Crawford and referred to the Education and Appropriations committees but died in committee on February 4, 2025.

Why is this important

Special education teachers face occupational hazards that general education teachers typically do not, including physical contact with students who may have limited behavioral control. Recognizing this exposure through compensation could improve recruitment and retention in a field experiencing chronic staffing shortages, while also acknowledging the health and safety risks inherent to the profession.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: The bill requires state appropriations to fund supplements, raising questions about fiscal sustainability and competing educational funding priorities
  • Definition and documentation challenges: Determining what constitutes "exposure to bodily fluids" and establishing verification procedures could be administratively complex and subject to disputes
  • Scope limitations: The bill targets only special education teachers, which may create equity concerns for other school staff (paraprofessionals, nurses, custodians) who face similar exposures, or general education teachers working with inclusive classrooms
  • Alternative solutions: Some stakeholders may prefer addressing root causes through better behavioral support systems, training, or classroom staffing ratios rather than hazard pay

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

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