Compulsory school attendance; require youth court petition after third unlawful absence and authorize community service for violations.

HB 170 would require school attendance officers to file a youth court petition after a student's third unexcused absence from school. The youth court could then order the student to complete 16 hours of community service within 30 days of being adjudicated. This bill directly affects Mississippi students aged 6-17 who repeatedly miss school without valid reasons (such as illness, authorized activities, or health orders). The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not advance.