School attendance officers; require to receive training on IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

HB 1246 requires Mississippi school attendance officers to complete annual, 12-hour training on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This training, approved by the state Department of Education, ensures officers understand the legal rights of children with disabilities and proper procedures for reporting potential disabilities to school districts. The bill directly affects school attendance officers statewide, mandating certification within their first year of employment to carry out duties. Failure to obtain certification would prevent officers from performing their roles or receiving pay during the certification period. The law was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026, but died in committee before passage.