MS HB1606

Defines "sex" as biological sex at birth and establishes legal definitions for male, female, man, woman, boy, girl, mother, and father based on biological reproductive systems.

Requires public schools, school districts, and state or local agencies collecting vital statistics for anti-discrimination compliance or public health data to identify each individual as either male or female at birth.

Establishes that policies distinguishing between the sexes are subject to intermediate constitutional scrutiny and identifies legitimate reasons for sex-based distinctions in athletics, prisons, shelters, and facilities where biology, safety, or privacy are implicated.

Prohibits public school employees and state or local agency staff from being required to address others using pronouns or terminology inconsistent with biological sex at birth, and prohibits requirements to permit dress inconsistent with community professional standards for that person's biological sex.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.