HB 148 Summary

• Creates the "Mississippi Comprehensive Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2010" to address disproportionately high rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in communities of color.

• Requires the Department of Human Services to develop programs promoting family communication about pregnancy prevention, educating communities about consequences of unprotected sexual activity, and providing medically accurate information about contraceptives and barrier methods.

• Requires the State Department of Health to develop programs including counseling to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, social and cultural support services for pregnant teens, and training for school-based support staff.

• Amends Section 41-79-5 to add school nurse responsibilities for carrying out prevention strategies developed by the State Department of Health and maintains prohibitions on school nurses providing abortion counseling or referrals.

• Takes effect July 1, 2010.