Teachers who have sexual relations with students; prohibit resignation in lieu of termination.

HB 1589 amends Mississippi law to prohibit teachers found guilty of sexual relations with students from resigning and instead mandates their termination. The bill specifically adds that if a school board finds an employee responsible for such misconduct, the employee must be terminated and cannot resign to avoid this outcome. This change applies within the existing disciplinary hearing process outlined in Section 37-9-111, where the school board reviews evidence and issues a final decision. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects teachers in Mississippi public schools who face termination for this specific violation.