House Bill 1348

AN ACT TO REQUIRE CRIMINAL LAW TO BE TAUGHT IN ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOLS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) In addition to the curriculum otherwise required by law or the State Board of Education, beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, an introduction to criminal law must be taught as a one-semester course to all students in the public elementary schools of this state. The course of study in criminal law must be developmentally age appropriate and must be taught to students before their completion of the fifth grade.

(2) The State Board of Education shall develop an introductory course on criminal law, which shall be taught in the public high schools of this state beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, and which shall be required for graduation from high school for all students beginning in the 2009-2010 school year. The course shall equal one-half (1/2) unit of high school course work and may incorporate any appropriate existing secondary level courses.

SECTION 2. Section 1 of this act shall be codified as a separate code section in Chapter 13, Title 37, Mississippi Code of 1972.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.