MS SB2676

Exempts absences related to disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act from being counted as unexcused absences.

Requires school attendance officers to contact the home and provide written notice before initiating truancy proceedings, and mandates a stay on proceedings to evaluate whether absences result from a disability.

Requires schools to conduct child find processes and convene a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) to determine if a student has a disability qualifying for special education services under IDEA or a 504 Plan.

Mandates the State Board of Education to adopt rules requiring school attendance officers to complete mandatory legal training on IDEA and Section 504 procedures, sponsored by the Office of Special Education.

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules for evidence-based procedures to help individual students vulnerable to chronic absences and assist schools and districts with high absenteeism rates.