MS HB826

Lowers compulsory school attendance age from six (6) to five (5) years old, effective July 1, 2014.

Requires kindergarten-age children to attend licensed public, parochial, or nonpublic school kindergarten programs that address cognitive, social, and emotional needs.

Defines "school" for kindergarten purposes as any licensed kindergarten program promoting services for five-year-old children.

Applies all existing compulsory attendance law provisions to kindergarten-age children, including enrollment deadlines, unlawful absence reporting, and enforcement procedures.

Parents, guardians, or custodians who fail to enroll or cause unlawful absences of kindergarten-age children may be prosecuted for contributing to child neglect.