MS HB77

Requires school boards in each district to adopt a dating violence policy by October 1, 2012, that aligns with a model policy developed by the State Board of Education by July 1, 2012.

Mandates that school districts incorporate age-appropriate education on healthy relationships into K-12 curriculum, with dating violence prevention instruction required in a high school health course needed for graduation.

Model policy must address definitions of dating violence, safety planning for victims, reporting and investigation procedures, staff training on healthy relationships, and outreach education for students and parents.

Requires school districts to include the dating violence policy in the code of student conduct and distribute it to students, parents, and staff at the beginning of each school year.

Defines dating violence as a pattern of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse used to harm, intimidate, or control another person in a dating relationship.