Mississippi Senate Bill SB2302

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

School enrollment; criminalize the enrollment without establishing domicile.

Impact

The proposed changes aim to strengthen regulations regarding school enrollment, ensuring that students who attend public schools are residents of the district. This law could significantly impact how schools manage student admissions and could deter practices that allow for crossing district lines for education. There may also be legal consequences for families who move frequently or seek to enroll their children in districts that may offer better educational opportunities without officially establishing residency in those districts.

Summary

Senate Bill 2302 seeks to amend Section 37-15-9 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 by criminalizing the willful enrollment of a child into public schools without establishing domicile in the state and district. The bill introduces penalties for parents or guardians who enroll children in violation of this section, including fines and potential imprisonment. Additionally, it mandates that any child whose enrollment is found to be in violation must be expelled from school, with legal notification required to the appropriate authorities regarding such violations.

Contention

The bill has prompted discussions about the implications of criminalizing educational access, particularly in cases where families may be in transition or facing circumstances that make establishing domicile complicated. Critics may voice concerns regarding equity and access, suggesting that such measures could disproportionately affect low-income families or those in unstable housing situations. The enforcement of these rules raises questions about the administrative burden placed on schools and whether it may lead to adverse outcomes for students who are simply trying to access education.