Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes an individualized fund for parents of certain students.

Highlights:

• Establishes the “Individualized Education Fund Program” to provide funding for the parent or guardian of an “eligible student” beginning July 1, 2014 (Secs. 2 & 10).

• Defines “eligible student” as an individual who meets any of the following requirements and has an Individualized Education Program in effect or has an accommodation under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sec. 2):
• The individual has attended a Mississippi public school during the previous year;
• The individual is attending a primary or secondary school in Mississippi for the first time; or
• The individual is not enrolled in the Mississippi School for the Deaf and the Blind or any other public school.

• Limits the number students in the Individualized Education Fund Program with an accommodation under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to 2,500 students per year (Sec. 2).

• Requires each student in the Individualized Education Funds Program to be funded at an equivalent amount to the Mississippi Adequate Education Program base cost plus the per pupil average of proportionate share of monies generated under state categorical aid programs (Sec. 3).

• Requires a parent of a participating student agree to use Individualized Education Funds for certain qualifying expenses to educate the student that include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 3): 
• Tuition or fees at a participating school; or
• Payment to a tutor who is accredited by a state, regional, or national accrediting organization.

Full Bill Text