Antievolution bill in Mississippi dies

Mississippi's House Bill 625, introduced by Representative Mike Lott (R-District 104) on January 9, 2007, died in committee on January 30, 2007, which was the last day for committees to report bills originating in their house of the legislature. If enacted, HB 625 would have provided, "The school board of a school district may allow the teaching of creationism or intelligent design in the schools within the district. However, if the theory of evolution is required to be taught as part of the school district's science curriculum, in order to provide students with a comprehensive education in science, the school board also must include the teaching of creationism or intelligent design in the science curriculum." A similar provision was part of 2005's House Bill 953, of which Lott was the chief sponsor; HB 953 died in committee on January 31, 2006.