Mississippi House Bill HB1417

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Compulsory school attendance; authorize excused absences for student participation in civic engagement or political event.

Impact

The bill affects the existing Compulsory School Attendance Law, which mandates regular school attendance for children of certain ages. By introducing a provision for excused absences in connection with civic and political activities, HB1417 facilitates students' participation in events crucial for their social and civic development. This legislative change supports the idea that engaging in political processes is a legitimate reason for school absence, promoting civic-mindedness amongst youth.

Summary

House Bill 1417 amends Section 37-13-91 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, particularly focusing on school attendance regulations for compulsory-school-age children. The key provision allows students' absences from school to be excused when they are participating in civic engagement activities or political events. Parents or guardians must provide written permission to the school principal or their designee no later than three school days prior to the planned absence. This amendment is intended to encourage political awareness and participation among younger citizens by removing penalties associated with missing school for such activities.

Contention

During discussions regarding this bill, there were varied opinions among legislators and stakeholders. Supporters stress that this initiative is vital for fostering civic engagement among young people and empowering them to be active participants in democracy. However, opponents have raised concerns about potential misuse, questioning whether parents might exploit this provision to excuse absences for less relevant activities. The requirement for parental permission seeks to mitigate these concerns, but the validity and enforcement of this measure may remain contentious.