Mississippi Legislature kills bill to test inmates for dyslexia

The Mississippi Senate has blocked a bill that would have required testing inmates for dyslexia, marking the second year the legislation has failed to reach the governor’s desk. The bill, known as SB 2041, originally started as a three-page proposal to have the Mississippi Department of Corrections assess incoming inmates for dyslexia as part of a broader study.

The measure grew to 43 pages, including provisions for review boards, legal exemptions, and additional requirements, which State Senator Rod Hickman (D), the bill’s author, said likely contributed to its demise. Hickman added that the bill’s expansion from its original scope may have caused it to die on the legislative calendar.

Supporters noted that surrounding states that test inmates for dyslexia have found about half of those assessed have a learning disability affecting reading and language skills. Dyslexia, which impacts roughly 5 to 15 percent of the general population, involves difficulty with speech sounds and decoding words, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Hickman previously stated that inmates diagnosed with dyslexia often commit crimes out of necessity. The bill would have required the department to collect demographic data and analyze how dyslexia correlates with education levels, disciplinary records, and recidivism. Testing was estimated to cost about $5 per inmate, with proponents arguing it would save money long-term by reducing recidivism and improving educational outcomes.

During the legislative session, Hickman emphasized the potential benefits, including reallocating funds from corrections to education. He expressed intent to reintroduce the bill next year. State Senator Jeremy England (R) supported the measure, suggesting that testing could help identify bright children who lack opportunities and enable the state to redirect correctional funds toward education, according to reports.

Hickman called the legislation an important investment, stating it would provide a high return on investment for Mississippi. The bill’s fate underscores ongoing debates over how best to address literacy and educational disparities within the criminal justice system.

Source: Original Article