MS HB203

Requires comprehensive sex education instruction in grades K through 12, with emphasis on abstinence as the expected norm for all public elementary, junior high, and senior high schools.

Allows parents or guardians to opt their children out of sex education courses by submitting written objection without penalty to the student.

Establishes 15 mandatory criteria for sex education courses including medically accurate information, age-appropriate content, discussion of contraception failure rates, sexual assault prevention, and elimination of bias.

Directs local school boards to adopt plans implementing comprehensive school health education programs that include sex education instruction by amending Section 37-13-135.

Requires public school nurses to provide instruction in all components of the Comprehensive School Health Education Program, and directs the Office of Healthy Schools to submit policy recommendations to the State Board of Education for related rules and regulations.