MS SB2624

Prohibits school districts from promoting compulsory-school-age students to the next grade level if the student accumulated 21 or more unlawful absences in the immediately preceding school year.

Prohibits school districts from allowing students to graduate from high school if the student accumulated 21 or more unlawful absences during their final year of high school.

Requires school district superintendents to report when students accumulate 5 or more unlawful absences to the school attendance officer within 2 school days or 5 calendar days, whichever is less.

Defines "unlawful absence" as any absence during a school day not due to valid excuses such as illness, authorized school activities, medical appointments, court attendance, or religious observances.

Effective date: July 1, 2011.