MS HB119

Requires school districts beginning in the 2010-2011 school year to annually collect and report body mass index (BMI) percentile by age for students in kindergarten and even-numbered grades through grade 10.

Parents may refuse BMI assessment and reporting by providing written refusal to the school; students in grades 11 and 12 are exempt from the requirement.

Information provided to parents must include explanation of BMI percentile, benefits of physical activity, benefits of proper nutrition, and resources promoting healthy lifestyle.

Directs State Board of Education to provide resources, training, and technical assistance to school districts for BMI collection and dissemination, with BMI information treated as private student records.

Requires legislature to appropriate funds for State Department of Education to employ a physical activity coordinator with specified qualifications in physical education, exercise science, or related field with K-12 teaching experience.