Mississippi Special-Purpose Schools Oversight Board; establish.

HB 656 establishes the Mississippi Special-Purpose Schools Oversight Board to oversee accreditation and authorization of schools serving students with learning differences (such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism). The board, composed of 9 appointed members with expertise in neurodiversity, education, and school programming, would hold final authority over school accreditation while requiring annual reporting and measurable student growth standards. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never advanced beyond the initial referral stage. It directly affects students with specific learning disabilities and the accredited special-purpose schools serving them.