House Bill 595

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO PERMIT THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA AND THE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO SPEAK WITH STUDENTS ABOUT CIVIC INVOLVEMENT AND THEIR PARTICIPATION; TO PROVIDE A PROCESS FOR APPROVAL OF REQUESTS TO SPEAK WITH STUDENTS; TO REQUIRE PARENTS TO BE NOTIFIED OF SUCH PRESENTATIONS BY THE BOY SCOUTS OR GIRL SCOUTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Representatives of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America shall be allowed the opportunity to speak with students at public schools and charter schools in the State of Mississippi about the civic involvement of the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts, and to explain how students may participate or join the Boy Scouts or the Girl Scouts.

(2) Before addressing the student body of a public school or charter school, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts shall submit a written request to the principal of the school to speak to the students enrolled therein. The principal shall provide written approval to the requesting Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts representative of the manner, date and time for the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, or both, to speak with the students. Additionally, the principal shall inform parents of the presentation at least three (3) days before its scheduled occurrence, and shall include the manner by which students will be addressed, as well as the date and time of the presentation.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.