MS SB2161

Raises the compulsory school attendance age from 17 to 18 years old (children must not have attained age 19 by September 1 of the calendar year)

Each day a compulsory-school-age child accumulates an unlawful absence constitutes a separate criminal violation against the parent, guardian, or custodian under the contributing to child neglect statute

Parents or guardians convicted of violating attendance requirements face fines up to $1,000, imprisonment up to one year in jail, or both, per violation

Requires school districts to establish and operate alternative school programs beginning with the 2014-2015 school year for students who are suspended, expelled, or have documented disciplinary problems

Updates the definition of "school" to include charter schools for purposes of enrollment certificates and attendance requirements