Social workers; provide in schools having high incidences of crime and via video conferencing means.

HB 191 would provide state funding for social workers in Mississippi public schools located in districts with the highest crime and violence rates, as determined by state records. School districts identified under this bill would receive funds to hire licensed social workers who must spend at least 75% of their time directly supporting students. The bill also establishes a state-run video conferencing program where 10 social workers employed by the Department of Human Services would connect remotely with schools via video, particularly when local staff are unavailable. School counselors would coordinate these virtual sessions, which must maintain strict confidentiality, and the program requires social workers to meet specific licensing and time allocation standards. (HB 191, passed in 2026 but died in committee)