MS SB2966

Lowers the compulsory school attendance age from six (6) to five (5) years old, making kindergarten attendance mandatory for all children who turn 5 on or before September 1 of the calendar year

Requires parents, guardians, or custodians of children ages 5-16 to enroll them in either a public school or legitimate nonpublic school (including private, church, parochial, or home instruction programs)

Parents who refuse or willfully fail to comply with compulsory attendance requirements can be charged with contributing to the neglect of a child under Section 97-5-39

Maintains existing exemptions for children who are physically, mentally, or emotionally incapable of attending school, enrolled in special education programs, or receiving legitimate home instruction

Effective date of July 1, 2010