MS SC671

Urges the Mississippi Department of Education, Mississippi Board of Nursing, and Mississippi Department of Health to jointly develop a clear policy allowing school children to possess and apply FDA-approved, over-the-counter sunscreen at public and nonpublic schools and school events.

Cites that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with approximately 560 melanoma cases expected to be diagnosed in Mississippi in 2017.

Notes that daily sunscreen use reduces melanoma incidence by half and that exposure to ultraviolet light is a risk factor for all types of skin cancer.

States that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and melanoma rates have been rising for the last 30 years.

Identifies that Mississippi law requires sun safety programs but lacks a clear sunscreen policy for school children.