Student absenteeism; excuse those related to an exceptional student's disability.
If enacted, HB792 would significantly affect the state’s compulsory school attendance laws by expanding the criteria for excused absences. This could help reduce truancy-related penalties for families with disabled children, which may encourage school enrollment and student support. The bill also entails that the State Board of Education will adopt regulations to improve interventions for students showing signs of chronic absenteeism, particularly in schools with high rates of such issues. It is anticipated that this will lead to more substantial support mechanisms in schools for at-risk students, positively impacting educational outcomes.
House Bill 792 seeks to amend Section 37-13-91 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, fundamentally altering the interpretation of school absences due to disabilities. The bill stipulates that absences related to a child's disability, as defined under state statutes, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, will be deemed excused. Furthermore, it protects parents or legal guardians from any prosecution regarding their child's absences resulting from such disabilities. This change aims to relieve the burden on families of children who experience disabilities, ensuring that they are not penalized for factors beyond their control.
While the bill has considerable intentions to protect the rights of children with disabilities, there are potential points of contention among lawmakers and community stakeholders. Some may argue that broadening the scope of excused absences could be misinterpreted or exploited, leaving room for an increase in truancy without appropriate accountability. Others might emphasize that while the focus on supporting children with disabilities is critical, it is equally important to maintain a standard for attendance to ensure that all children benefit from uninterrupted education. This position could lead to a debate between the need for inclusive policies versus maintaining educational accountability.