MS HB529

Replaces abstinence-only and abstinence-plus sex education requirements with comprehensive sex education programs by the 2018-2019 school year.

Requires curriculum to provide medically accurate, complete, age and developmentally appropriate information covering anatomy, physiology, growth and development, healthy relationships, pregnancy and STI prevention, and protection from dating violence and sexual assault.

Mandates comprehensive programs promote educational achievement, critical thinking, self-esteem, healthy attitudes about relationships, and community engagement with principles of fairness and human dignity.

Prohibits adoption of sex education programs that withhold health-promoting information, are medically inaccurate, are insensitive to sexual abuse survivors, or contradict medical and public health ethics.

Sunsets the amended section on July 1, 2021.