Special education compliance; revise provisions relating to school attendance, absenteeism and disciplinary issues.

HB 1189, which died in committee in 2026, would have updated Mississippi's school discipline and attendance rules for students with disabilities. The bill required school attendance officers to complete annual training on special education law (IDEA) and Section 504, and revised definitions to prevent schools from labeling students with IEPs or 504 plans as "habitually disruptive" without first developing evidence-based behavior plans. It also mandated that absences related to a student's disability (under IDEA) be excused and directed the state board to adopt evidence-based strategies for students at risk of chronic absenteeism. These changes aimed to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate support instead of punitive disciplinary actions.