Mississippi House Bill HB276

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

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

Impact

The bill modifies Mississippi's Compulsory School Attendance Law (Section 37-13-91) to include provisions that link dropout decisions to ACT performance. Furthermore, it introduces penalties for parents whose children miss a significant number of school days while falling under this extended obligation to attend school. This legislative change aims to reduce absenteeism and ensure compliance with state educational standards, potentially leading to better-informed and more academically prepared youth.

Summary

House Bill 276 aims to enhance educational engagement for children under 18 in Mississippi. This bill mandates that any child wishing to drop out of school must first take the American College Testing (ACT) assessment. If the child does not achieve a passing score of 21, or 18 if they previously attended a failing school, they are required to continue their education until the age of 18. This approach intends to reduce the dropout rate by ensuring that students consider the implications of leaving school without completing their education and achieving a minimum level of academic skill as measured by the ACT.

Contention

While supporters of HB276 argue that it will better prepare students for their future, critics may contend that it places an undue burden on students and families, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who may struggle with access to resources for ACT preparation. The enforcement mechanisms established by the bill also raise concerns about parental penalization, as they could disproportionately impact families from vulnerable communities. The need to ensure educational equity can lead to debates surrounding the effectiveness of such mandates versus supportive interventions.