Bill > HB1631

This bill establishes the Comprehensive Reproductive Health and Education Act, which creates a voluntary educational program for high school students aged 16 and older focused on comprehensive reproductive health education. The program, jointly administered by the State Department of Education and Department of Health, will provide age-appropriate, medically accurate instruction on reproductive health topics such as anatomy, contraception, STD/STI prevention, consent, and healthy relationships. Participation requires a parent or guardian's signed permission slip, and no student will be penalized academically for not participating. Instruction will be conducted by medical professionals or trained advocates who have completed certified training in inclusive and culturally sensitive teaching practices. The curriculum must be evidence-based, respectful of diverse values, and provide access to additional resources like health clinics and counseling services. School districts can opt into the program and will receive guidance and materials from the Department of Education. The state will fund the program through state budgets, federal grants, or public-private partnerships, and the Department of Education will conduct annual reviews, submitting a comprehensive report to the State Legislature by August 2028. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1631.xml