MS SB2140

Authorizes the State Board of Education to approve a curriculum for an elective state-funded course on the academic study of the Bible, including its impact on literature, art, music, culture, and politics.

Requires the course to be taught objectively and nondevotionally without religious indoctrination, religious doctrine, sectarian interpretation, or disparagement of particular religious beliefs.

Mandates that all Bible study courses offered in public schools beginning in the 2015-2016 school year use State Department of Education-approved curricula.

Allows school districts to adopt previously approved Bible study curricula developed by other districts and prohibits assigning teachers based on religious tests, affiliations, or beliefs about the Bible.

Takes effect July 1, 2015, and does not mandate participation by school districts, allowing them to develop their own compliant curricula if approved by the State Board of Education.