Excused absences; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse events.

HB 1358 would have amended Mississippi's compulsory school attendance law to add "roping or barrel horse racing events" to the list of valid excuses for student absences. It would allow students to miss school for these events if parents provide satisfactory evidence to the school superintendent, similar to other authorized activities like field trips. The bill directly affects Mississippi students participating in these equestrian competitions, requiring school approval for excused absences. The proposed change was added to the existing list of valid excuses under Section 37-13-91, which already includes authorized school activities and medical reasons. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.