HB 1200

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE "MISSISSIPPI SAFE DORMS ACT"; TO DECLARE LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS REGARDING STUDENT SAFETY AT STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO DEFINE RELEVANT TERMS; TO PROHIBIT STUDENTS REGISTERED UNDER THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION LAWS FROM RESIDING IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING; TO PROHIBIT EMPLOYEES OF STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FROM ENTERING INTO CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS OVER WHOM THEY HAVE AUTHORITY; TO REQUIRE STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO PROVIDE SINGLE-SEX LIVING FACILITIES AND REQUIRE FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS TO RESIDE IN SUCH FACILITIES; TO ESTABLISH EXCEPTIONS FOR CERTAIN PERSONS ENTERING SINGLE-SEX FACILITIES; TO REQUIRE INSTITUTIONS TO DEVELOP MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES TO EDUCATE STUDENTS AND STAFF ABOUT POLICIES TO REDUCE SEXUAL ASSAULT RISKS; TO AUTHORIZE STUDENTS AGGRIEVED BY VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT TO FILE CIVIL ACTIONS FOR RELIEF AND DAMAGES; TO SPECIFY A ONE-YEAR LIMITATION PERIOD FOR FILING SUCH SUITS; TO WAIVE IMMUNITY FOR STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING THAT VIOLATE THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE FOR THE SEVERABILITY OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.