National board certified occupational therapists and school psychologists; pay salary supplement to school employees.

HB 1623 requires Mississippi school districts and the State Department of Education to pay an annual $6,000 salary supplement plus fringe benefits to National Board Certified Occupational Therapists and National Board Certified School Psychologists employed in those settings. The supplement is in addition to their regular salary, with certification documentation due by October 15 for full payment or February 15 for a prorated amount starting the second term. This bill directly affects certified therapists and psychologists working in public schools or state education roles, expanding existing salary supplement provisions previously limited to other certified professionals like Master Teachers and School Nurses. The policy aims to provide financial recognition for nationally certified school-based health and mental health professionals. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.