MS HB715

Removes the 37% instructional day absence threshold and instead requires students to be marked absent for the entire day only if absent from homeroom roll-call attendance at the start of the school day.

Allows students who arrive late with a valid excuse to avoid being marked absent for the entire day if they report tardiness to the school attendance officer for verification.

Changes the minimum school term definition from 63% to 60% of the normal school day for purposes of average daily attendance calculations under the Adequate Education Program (MAEP).

Requires local school boards to define which tardiness circumstances constitute excused absences and to prescribe verification methods for the school attendance officer.

Effective July 1, 2014.