MS SB2164

Amends Mississippi's compulsory school attendance law to lower the minimum age from 6 years to 5 years, making kindergarten-age children subject to attendance requirements starting September 1 of the calendar year they turn 5.

Requires kindergarten-age children to attend licensed public, parochial, nonpublic, or legitimate homeschool kindergarten programs that address cognitive, social, and emotional needs of five-year-old children.

Expands the definition of "school" to include kindergarten programs meeting the specified requirements for five-year-old children.

Applies all provisions of the compulsory school attendance law to kindergarten-age children, including enrollment deadlines, valid absence excuses, and enforcement mechanisms through school attendance officers and youth courts.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.