Bill Amendment: MS SB2041 | 2026 | Regular Session
Bill Title: Study on Dyslexia among inmates; authorize MDOC to conduct.
Status: 2026-03-26 - Died On Calendar [SB2041 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-SB2041-House_Committee_Amendment_No_1.html
Pending
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT NO 1 PROPOSED TO
Senate Bill No. 2041
BY: Committee
Amend by striking all after the enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
SECTION 1. Study on Dyslexia among inmates. (1) The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) shall conduct a scientifically valid and independent study of inmates under its jurisdiction to determine the prevalence of individuals with dyslexia.
(2) The study shall be conducted by one or more nonprofit or research entities, selected through the competitive procurement process established in this act, with demonstrated expertise in dyslexia identification and structured literacy, and documented experience conducting correctional or incarceration-based research consistent with the scope and methodology required herein.
(3) All screening, analysis, and interpretation of results shall be conducted or supervised by qualified dyslexia professionals, including but not limited to:
(a) Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT);
(b) Licensed Dyslexia Therapists (LDT); and
(c) Other professionals with nationally recognized dyslexia credentials with research experience consistent with this subsection.
(4) MDOC shall not substitute internal personnel or general education contractors for expert-led dyslexia identification or analysis.
(5) Any reference to "qualified experts" shall mean individuals or entities meeting the requirements of this section.
(6) The study shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Screening and evaluation for dyslexia using evidence-based tools and methods approved by qualified experts in the field of dyslexia diagnosis and education.
(b) Collection of demographic and educational background data, including the inmate's age, gender, race and prior access to educational resources, provided that such data is collected in a manner that protects individual privacy.
(c) An analysis of how dyslexia correlates with educational attainment, disciplinary history and recidivism rates.
(d) Evaluation of accessibility for individuals with dyslexia in current correctional education practices.
(e) Analysis of available educational histories, where accessible, to determine whether prior dyslexia screening, special education eligibility, or structured literacy intervention occurred before incarceration.
SECTION 2. Protection of confidential information. (1) All data collected pursuant to this study shall comply with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and any other applicable federal or state laws regarding the privacy and confidentiality of health and educational records.
(2) Inmates shall be informed of their rights and shall have the opportunity to opt out of participation in the study without fear of reprisal or negative consequences.
SECTION 3. Report to the Legislature. (1) The Mississippi Department of Corrections shall compile the findings of the study and submit an interim report to the Legislature no later than December 31, 2026, and a final report no later than June 30, 2027.
(2) The report shall include:
(a) The prevalence of dyslexia among inmates under the jurisdiction of the MDOC.
(b) Demographic data and trends associated with the findings, presented in aggregate form.
(c) Recommendations for programs, policies or legislation to address the needs of inmates with dyslexia and improve educational and rehabilitation outcomes, including recommendations related to early identification, structured literacy access in K�12 settings, and coordination between education and correctional systems to reduce justice involvement.
SECTION 4. Implementation and funding. (1) In addition to any funds appropriated by the legislature for this study, the department may seek grants or other funding sources to assist with the costs of conducting the study.
(2) The department shall issue a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) within sixty (60) days of the effective date of this act. The procurement process shall comply with Mississippi public procurement laws. In evaluating the proposals, the department shall consult with a representative of the Mississippi Department of Education with demonstrated expertise in dyslexia or structured literacy. Preference shall be given to an individual with experience in adolescent and adult dyslexia identification and assessment.
SECTION 5. MDOC shall provide reasonable access to facilities, incarcerated individuals, and records necessary to conduct the study and shall designate a liaison for coordination. Participation by incarcerated individuals shall be voluntary and shall not result in retaliation or adverse consequences.
SECTION 6. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2026.
Further, amend by striking the title in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO CONDUCT A SCIENTIFICALLY VALID AND INDEPENDENT STUDY OF INMATES UNDER ITS JURISDICTION TO DETERMINE THE PREVALENCE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DYSLEXIA AND MAKE A REPORT THEREON TO THE LEGISLATURE; TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH STUDY SHALL BE CONDUCTED BY ONE OR MORE NONPROFIT OR RESEARCH ENTITIES, WHICH ARE CHOSEN THROUGH A CERTAIN COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROCESS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
