MS SB2605

Requires every public and charter school in Mississippi to teach standalone civics courses as part of required curriculum for high school graduation, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Mandates civics instruction starting in 8th grade and before completion of 12th grade, covering U.S. and Mississippi history, government, Constitution, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and Bill of Rights.

Defines civics as a nonpartisan educational program that promotes knowledge of U.S. and Mississippi civic institutions, skills including text analysis and source evaluation, and understanding of how individuals can participate in civic life.

Requires the State Department of Education to prescribe course standards and update them to align with current civics scholarship, and to rename United States Government courses as "United States Government and Civics."

Mandates teacher training to be conducted during summer of 2026 prior to implementation of the new civics course requirements.