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Bill > SB2506


MS SB2506

MS SB2506
Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law; revise standards and procedures to include disability assessment.


summary

Introduced
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Amend Section 37-13-91, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise Truancy Proceedings To Provide A Stay In Order To Determine Disability Under The Federal Individuals With Disabilities In Education Act (idea) And § 504 Of The Federal Rehabilitation Act Of 1973; To Direct The State Board Of Education To Require The Implementation Of Evidence-based Procedures Encouraging Effective Interventions For Chronic Absenteeism; To Direct The State Board Of Education To Require All School Attendance Officers To Complete Mandatory Legal Training For The Idea And § 504 Sponsored By The Mississippi Department Of Education Office Of Special Education; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill revises Mississippi's compulsory school attendance law to better accommodate students with disabilities. It introduces new definitions for "IDEA" (Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act) and "§ 504" (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973), which are federal laws protecting the educational rights of students with disabilities. Crucially, the bill mandates a pause, or "stay," in truancy proceedings if a child's absences are suspected to be related to a disability under IDEA or § 504, requiring schools to initiate evaluation processes to determine eligibility for special education services. If the absences are confirmed to be due to a disability, they will be excused, and truancy proceedings will be dismissed. The bill also directs the State Board of Education to implement evidence-based strategies to address chronic absenteeism and requires all school attendance officers to undergo mandatory legal training on IDEA and § 504 to ensure they understand the rights of students with disabilities and the proper procedures for identifying and evaluating them.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)

bill text


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