MS SB2535

Deletes the authority for parents or guardians to disenroll children from public kindergarten programs, making kindergarten enrollment mandatory once a child is enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten program.

Prohibits school districts from automatically failing a student due to unlawful absences if the student has made satisfactory academic progress for advancement to the next grade or graduation from high school.

Maintains existing compulsory school attendance requirements for children ages 6-17, with exceptions for medical incapacity, special education, and legitimate home instruction programs.

Establishes that accumulating 12 unlawful absences creates a prima facie case for prosecution of parents/guardians for contributing to child neglect, but requires school attendance officers to contact the home and provide written notice first.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.