MS HB540

Authorizes local school boards to allow public use of school property and facilities during nonschool hours for recreation and sports activities.

Limits liability of school districts and employees for injuries or losses from public recreational use, except for deliberate harm, willful misconduct, or failure to maintain equipment/facilities.

Requires State Department of Education, in consultation with State Department of Health, to develop a best practices toolkit including liability information, model agreements, technical resources, and funding opportunities for shared use agreements.

Encourages school districts to enter shared use agreements with community organizations and local governmental entities; authorizes local government entities to expend public funds and resources for such agreements.

Each school district must address community recreational use of school facilities in consultation with its school health council; effective July 1, 2012.