MS SB2588

Extends Mississippi's compulsory school attendance requirement from age 17 to age 18, making attendance mandatory through September 1 of the calendar year a child turns 19 years old.

Establishes that every day a compulsory-school-age child accumulates an unlawful absence constitutes a separate criminal violation for the parent or legal guardian, rather than treating repeated absences as a single violation.

Amends Section 97-5-39 to classify each unlawful absence as a separate misdemeanor punishable by fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year.

Requires school districts to establish and maintain alternative school programs or behavior modification programs for suspended, expelled, or at-risk compulsory-school-age students, effective in the 2012-2013 school year.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.