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The state Senate voted 29-21 for House Bill 707 Tuesday. Under the bill, the earliest possible school day would be anywhere from Aug. 15 to Aug. 21.
The House had mandated a start date of the fourth Monday of August or later. The amended bill returns to the House for more work.
The Gulf Coast Business Council, a business group, is pushing the measure. The Gulfport-based council says the measure would let families spend more money taking vacations, boosting the economy.
Opponents say the state shouldn't interfere with a district's ability to set its calendar. They also warn a later start date means school lasting later or fewer holidays.