MS HB1543

Requires school districts to display the U.S. and Mississippi flags on proper staffs during daylight hours when school is in session, with the State Department of Education withholding adequate education program funds from non-compliant districts after a 30-day correction period.

Mandates that school boards require teachers to have students recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag at the beginning of the first hour of class each school day, with exemptions available for students or teachers who object.

Establishes a complaint process allowing any person to report non-compliance with flag display or pledge requirements to the State Department of Education, which must investigate and enforce corrective action.

Requires public colleges and universities to display the official state flag Monday through Friday from sunrise to sunset on each campus, with the Attorney General authorized to notify non-compliant institutions and the State Fiscal Officer authorized to withhold all state funds until compliance is achieved.

Effective July 1, 2016.