Bill > HB279

This bill modifies Mississippi's school enrollment regulations to allow children who turn six years old on or before December 31 to enroll in first grade at the beginning of the school year during which they will turn six. Specifically, the bill amends two sections of Mississippi's legal code: Section 37-15-9, which governs school enrollment, and Section 37-13-91, which defines compulsory school attendance. The changes update the previous rules that required children to turn six by September 1 to start first grade, now expanding the enrollment window to December 31. This means parents will have more flexibility in determining when their child begins first grade, potentially allowing children who develop more slowly or who have late birthdays to start school when they are more developmentally ready. The modifications also update the definition of a "compulsory-school-age child" to include children who will turn six by December 31 and are enrolled in first grade. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools and parents ample time to prepare for the new enrollment guidelines.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0279.xml