Bill > HB456

This bill requires Mississippi school districts to develop and implement a comprehensive policy addressing dating violence in schools. The legislation defines dating violence as a pattern of behavior involving physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse within a romantic relationship, and aims to create safer school environments by mandating specific actions. By July 1, 2025, the State Board of Education must develop a model policy that includes definitions of dating violence, a zero-tolerance statement, safety planning for victims, reporting and investigation procedures, staff training requirements, and student and parent education. School districts must then adopt their own dating violence policies by October 1, 2025, and submit them to the State Department of Education. Additionally, the bill requires schools to incorporate age-appropriate instruction on healthy relationships into curriculum for kindergarten through 12th grade, with a focus on identifying healthy relationships, defining dating violence, and recognizing warning signs. The bill also amends existing student conduct codes to include the new dating violence policy, ensuring that students, parents, and school personnel are informed about the district's approach to preventing and addressing dating violence.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0456.xml