Mississippi House Bill HB272

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

School attendance officers; require to visit homes of certain children within 72 hours of unexcused absence.

Impact

The addition of this requirement emphasizes proactive engagement with families to understand the reasons behind student absences. By mandating home visits, the bill aims to improve communication between school authorities and parents, thereby reinforcing the importance of education and attendance. This legislative change could potentially lead to a decrease in dropout rates and improve overall student performance as families receive prompt intervention.

Summary

House Bill 272 amends Section 37-13-89 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to establish a new requirement for school attendance officers. The bill mandates that these officers must visit the home or place of residence of a compulsory-school-age child within 72 hours of an unexcused absence to consult with the child's parent or legal guardian. This measure aims to enhance the enforcement of the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law, ensuring that reasons for absence are addressed swiftly to support the child's return to school.

Contention

While the bill has been positioned as a necessary step to combat absenteeism in schools, there may be concerns regarding privacy and the methods of enforcement. Critics could argue that home visits might not be welcomed by all families, potentially leading to tensions between school attendance officers and parents. Additionally, funding and resources necessary for implementing these home visits could become a point of contention, as school districts may struggle to find the necessary personnel to fulfill this obligation efficiently.