MS HB208

Increases the age of compulsory school attendance from 17 to 18 years old, including students who turn 18 but have not yet graduated from high school.

Allows students aged 17 and 18 to withdraw from school with written parental consent and completion of an exit interview acknowledging reduced future earning potential and increased unemployment likelihood.

Requires schools to submit daily reports of all absences (both excused and unexcused) to the school attendance officer.

Establishes penalties for parents of compulsory-school-age children who fail to ensure attendance, including fines up to $50 per day of absence and imprisonment up to six months plus fines up to $500 if absences exceed 30 school days in a year.

Requires school attendance officers to make immediate contact with parents upon receiving daily absence notices to discuss importance of attendance and warn of potential penalties.