NC H838

Raises the mandatory school attendance age from 16 to 17 years old, effective July 1, 2017, and then to 18 years old, effective July 1, 2018, implemented in phases over two school years.

Students who are 17 years old must attend school through the completion of the school year in which they turn 17, unless they graduate earlier; students who are 18 must attend through the completion of the school year in which they turn 18.

Allows 17-year-olds and older to be excused from compulsory attendance if enrolled in high school education programs at community colleges with appropriate approvals.

Permits local school boards to adopt policies excusing 18-year-old students from attendance under certain circumstances, including if they obtain a high school equivalency certificate or enlist in the Armed Forces.

Makes violation of compulsory attendance by a parent, guardian, or student 18 years of age a Class 1 misdemeanor; updates juvenile court definitions of "undisciplined juvenile" to extend to age 18 for school truancy violations.