Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2333

Introduced
2/8/24  
Refer
2/8/24  

Caption

Compulsory School Attendance Law; define "child with a disability" for purposes of creating exemption from unexcused absence.

Impact

In addition to modifying attendance policies, the bill mandates that the State Board of Education require annual training for school attendance officers. This training will focus on the legal rights of children with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The intent is to equip school officials with the knowledge necessary to better identify and interact with children facing disabilities, ultimately supporting compliance with federal laws while respecting the educational needs of all students. By emphasizing staff training, the bill seeks to enhance awareness and understanding of disability-related rights within the educational context.

Summary

Senate Bill 2333 amends Section 37-13-91 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to include specific provisions for children with disabilities regarding school attendance. The legislation aims to provide an exemption from unexcused absences for children whose absences are related to their disabilities as defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This change reinforces the rights of students with disabilities by ensuring that their absences do not negatively impact their attendance records, which can have significant consequences for educational access and achievement.

Contention

However, the bill may not be without its points of contention. Critics could argue that while the intention is commendable, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and enforcement of these exemptions. Stakeholders may discuss whether additional support structures and resources will accompany the training to ensure effective implementation. Furthermore, there might be debates about the potential challenges this creates for schools, particularly regarding how they manage attendance records and handle truancy cases without penalizing families of children with disabilities. The balance between promoting equity for disabled children and upholding attendance laws will be critical in the ongoing discussions surrounding this legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2578

Compulsory school attendance law; require of kindergarten-age children.

MS SB2163

Kindergarten-age children; require compulsory school attendance for all.

MS SB2824

Elections; allow an excused absence for compulsory-school-age children to serve as poll workers on election day.

MS HB1401

Compulsory school attendance; require youth court petition after third unlawful absence and authorize community service for violations.

MS HB169

Compulsory-school-age child; revise definition of by increasing required age to 18 years.

MS HB805

Compulsory school age; revise definition to include children who attain the age of five years before September 1.

MS HB1050

Student absenteeism; excuse those related to a student's disability.

MS HB1457

School attendance; require for children unable to score a 21 or higher on the ACT until the child reaches 18 years of age.

MS HB1179

School attendance officers; transfer responsibility for employment and establishment of duties from MDE to the local school districts.

MS HB652

Excused absence; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse racing events.

Similar Bills

MS HB1048

Compulsory school age; revise definition to include children who attain the age of five years before September 1.

MS HB887

Compulsory school age; revise definition to include children who attain the age of five years before September 1.

MS HB652

Excused absence; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse racing events.

MS HB1358

Excused absences; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse events.

MS HB1318

Excused absence; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse events.

MS SB2703

Kindergarten-age children; require compulsory school attendance for all.

MS SB2163

Kindergarten-age children; require compulsory school attendance for all.

MS SB2824

Elections; allow an excused absence for compulsory-school-age children to serve as poll workers on election day.