Committee
Education
Author
Brice Wiggins
Session
2025 Session
Latest Action
SB 2605 died in the House Education Committee on March 4.
Explanation of the Bill
Senate Bill 2605 would require public school students to complete courses in the “the factually
accurate history of the United States,” civics, the United States Constitution, and the Mississippi state government between eighth grade and twelfth grade. This requirement would begin during the 2026-2027 school year.
The bill states that these prescribed courses should focus on “fostering and perpetuating the ideals, principles and spirit” of democracy in the United States and should increase students’ knowledge of the federal and state governments. It explicitly prevents the teaching of “critical race theory” (which is already banned under state law).
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) would be responsible for creating the requirements and standards for the courses prescribed by this law, using “rigorous and relevant resources.”
Notably, all of the state’s high school graduation pathways require students to complete credit-bearing courses in US History and US government. Discussion that took place during the Senate Education Committee on 1/31/25 indicated that the MDE could use its discretion in incorporating coursework required by the bill into current curriculum.
This bill would take effect on July 1, 2025.
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 3/4/25 | SB 2605 died in the House Education Committee on March 4. |
| 2/13/25 | On February 13, the Senate amended and passed SB 2605. As amended, the bill contains a reverse repealer, indicating that it must go to conference before it is passed. |
| 1/31/25 | On January 31, the Senate Education Committee passed SB 2605. |