School districts; require drug testing of truant students in Grade 6-12.

HB 225 would require Mississippi public schools to administer drug tests to students in grades 6-12 who exceed allowable absences under the state's compulsory attendance law (Section 37-13-91). School districts must adopt policies by the 2026-2027 school year, mandating parents cover test costs and requiring county health departments to conduct tests. Positive results would trigger mental health referrals, while students could present proof of prescription medication as an affirmative defense. All test results must be kept confidential and separate from student records, with policies needing to detail parental notification, test refusal consequences, and available support services.