K-12 mandate character education program in public schools; define character traits.

SB 2163 would have required Mississippi public schools to implement a mandatory K-12 character education program starting in the 2025-2026 school year, focusing on specific traits like courage, honesty, patriotism, and respect for law. The bill mandated that school districts design programs aligning with Mississippi's founding documents and state/federal law, while prohibiting assessments of students' personal demonstration of these traits. It also required the State Board of Education to review district programs within 60 days for compliance with these criteria. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.