MS HB1025

State Board of Education must develop and implement a statewide conflict resolution and peer mediation curriculum that is age- and grade-appropriate and incorporate it into all school district instructional programs by the 2021-2022 school year.

In school districts rated "D" or "F" for accountability, conflict resolution programs must be directly supervised by the school resource officer, assisted by a licensed teacher and school counselor, to combat violence and bullying.

School administrators gain alternative disciplinary methods including in-school suspension, temporary alternative school placement, and community service instead of traditional suspension or expulsion.

First-time disciplinary offenders may choose to participate in a community service program of at least 40 hours with youth peer counseling as an alternative to suspension or expulsion.

School Resource Officers' roles are expanded to include conflict resolution and peer mediation supervision, and schools may use grant funding for peer mediation training and anti-bullying training for staff.