MS HB161

Requires each school district to adopt a dating violence policy by October 1, 2016, based on a model policy developed by the State Board of Education by July 1, 2016.

Defines "dating violence" as a pattern of behavior where one person intentionally uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, intimidate, or control another person in a dating relationship.

Mandates school districts incorporate age-appropriate instruction on healthy relationships into kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum, with violence prevention topics required in comprehensive health or family and individual health courses needed for high school graduation.

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

Mandates training for teachers, administrators, and staff on the dating violence policy and healthy relationships, and requires procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing incidents with referrals to community counseling resources.