MS HB865

Absences resulting from a student's disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are deemed excused absences

Parents, guardians, or custodians of children with disabilities are exempt from prosecution for truancy when absences are related to the child's disability

Truancy proceedings must be stayed when a school is "on notice" that absences may result from a disability, triggering child find processes to evaluate whether the student qualifies for special education services under IDEA or a 504 Plan

Schools must convene a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team to determine if students require comprehensive evaluation for special education eligibility, and truancy proceedings must be dismissed if absences are disability-related

State Board of Education must adopt rules requiring evidence-based intervention procedures for students vulnerable to chronic absenteeism and for schools and districts with high chronic absenteeism rates