MS HB1443

Requires comprehensive sex education to be taught in grades K-12 with abstinence emphasized as the expected norm and the only 100% effective prevention method.

Permits parents or guardians to opt their children out of sex education courses by submitting written objection without penalty to the student.

Mandates sex education courses include medically accurate, age and developmentally appropriate instruction on STI prevention, contraception failure rates, consent, sexual assault prevention, and legal responsibilities.

Amends Section 37-13-135 to require school boards to adopt plans implementing comprehensive school health education including sex education instruction.

Amends Section 37-14-3 to require public school nurses to provide instruction in all components of the Comprehensive School Health Education Program and directs the Office of Healthy Schools to submit policy recommendations to the State Board of Education.