Senate Bill 2163 Summary

• Mandates all local school boards develop and implement a comprehensive K-12 character education program beginning in the 2025-2026 school year (changing from optional to required).

• Specifies 24 character traits that programs must focus on: courage, patriotism, citizenship, honesty, fairness, respect for law, kindness, cooperation, self-respect, self-control, courtesy, compassion, tolerance, diligence, generosity, punctuality, cleanliness, cheerfulness, school pride, respect for environment, patience, creativity, sportsmanship, loyalty, and perseverance.

• Requires character trait definitions to align with the Mississippi Constitution (1890), U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and state and federal law, and prohibits teaching character in ways that would encourage illegal conduct.

• Limits student assessment to understanding of taught material only; students cannot be evaluated on whether they personally demonstrate specific character traits in their own lives.

• Requires the State Board of Education to review school district character education programs for compliance within 60 days and submit an annual report to the Legislature; proposals not reviewed within 60 days are deemed compliant.