MS SB2703

Lowers the compulsory school attendance age from 6 years old to 5 years old, making kindergarten attendance mandatory for all children who turn 5 on or before September 1 of the calendar year

Removes the previous provision that only required attendance for 5-year-olds who had voluntarily enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten program

Maintains the upper age limit of 17 years old for compulsory attendance and all existing exemptions including nonpublic schools, home instruction programs, and children with physical, mental, or emotional conditions preventing attendance

Parents, guardians, or custodians who fail to comply with attendance requirements can be charged with contributing to the neglect of a child under Section 97-5-39

Effective date of July 1, 2022