MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2004 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Fleming

House Bill 247

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-16-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THAT STUDENTS COMPLETE A STATE CERTIFIED DRIVER EDUCATION TRAINING PROGRAM IN ORDER TO GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL; TO AMEND SECTION 37-25-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS MAINTAINING A SECONDARY SCHOOL TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN DRIVER EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 37-16-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     37-16-7.  (1)  Each district school board shall establish standards for graduation from its schools which shall include as a minimum:

          (a)  Mastery of minimum academic skills as measured by assessments developed and administered by the State Board of Education.

          (b)  Completion of a minimum number of academic credits, and all other applicable requirements prescribed by the district school board.

          (c)  For high schools, completion of a state certified driver education and training program.

     (2)  A student who meets all requirements prescribed in subsection (1) of this section shall be awarded a standard diploma in a form prescribed by the state board.

     (3)  The State Board of Education may establish student proficiency standards for promotion to grade levels leading to graduation.

     SECTION 2.  Section 37-25-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     37-25-3.  The school board of every school district maintaining a secondary school which includes any of the Grades 9 through 12 inclusive shall establish and maintain driver education and training programs for pupils enrolled in the day secondary schools in that district.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.