MS HB104

Schools must annually report unlawful activity to their local school district, and school districts must submit quarterly reports to the Department of Education for a minimum of two years beginning July 1, 2018.

Department of Education shall release annual reports on collected unlawful activity data through the Mississippi Achievement and Accountability Reporting System (MAARS), including the number of students referred to the juvenile justice system classified by race and ethnicity.

Department of Education must develop and provide evidence-based training curriculum by July 1, 2019, covering alternatives to arrest, cultural competency, positive behavior interventions, and restorative justice principles.

Department of Education shall develop collaboration strategies between school districts, law enforcement, and community organizations to reduce student involvement in the juvenile justice system, including de-escalation methods and alternatives to arresting students.

Act takes effect July 1, 2018.