House Bill 1130: An Act Creating Virtual Charter Schools

Author:
Representative Brown

Summary:

This bill would create the Mississippi Virtual Public School Program whereby students would be enrolled in public school but would receive instruction at home or other location via the Internet. Each student would be provided with a computer, printer, and Internet connection by the virtual school.

This bill does not directly affect homeschooling families, but, if passed, it would directly affect all tax-paying citizens of Mississippi. School districts sponsoring virtual schools would receive full funding for each student as though the student were actually attending the public school. This would create a financial windfall for school districts who would not have to provide transportation, classroom space, or teachers for these students but would receive money intended for these purposes anyway. For students enrolled in virtual schools sponsored by the State Board of Education instead of local school districts, the State Department of Education would receive the funds. This bill should be opposed.

Status:

1/16/2006		Introduced and referred to the Colleges and Universities and Education Committee
1/30/2006		"Do Pass" recommendation to Committee Substitute
2/9/2006		Committee Substitute Adopted, amended, and passed as amended
2/10/2006		Transmitted to Senate
2/14/2006		Referred to Education's Universities and Colleges Committee
2/28/2006		"Do Pass"
3/1/2006		Passed
3/2/2006		Transmitted to House
3/6/2006		Enrolled Bill signed in the House
3/7/2006		Enrolled Bill signed in the Senate
3/7/2006		Approved by Governor

Action Requested:
None at this time.

HSLDA's Position:
HSLDA opposes this legislation.

Other Resources

Bill Text    (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)