Senate Bill 2077 Summary

• Extends Mississippi's compulsory school attendance law to apply to students through age 18 (previously age 17), effective July 1, 2015.

• Establishes that every day a compulsory-school-age child accumulates an unlawful absence constitutes a separate criminal violation for parents or legal guardians, rather than treating multiple absences as a single violation.

• Modifies Section 97-5-39 to classify each unlawful school absence as a separate misdemeanor offense under contributing to child neglect, with potential penalties up to $1,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment per day of absence.

• Updates the alternative school program requirements to begin in school year 2015-2016 and requires school districts to submit annual reports by July 31 describing program results and compliance with state guidelines.

• Includes provisions for charter schools and clarifies valid excuses for temporary non-attendance, including 4-H and FFA events and state Capitol page service.