Summary

Absenteeism. Defines "chronically absent". Requires the department of education (department) to do the following: (1) Establish a categorization framework to distinguish between excused and unexcused absences based on the reason for the absence. (2) Collect certain information regarding absences from school corporations and charter schools. (3) Prepare and submit a report regarding the information collected. Provides that the absence policy adopted by the governing body of a school corporation must provide for the categorization of excused and unexcused absences in accordance with the categorization framework established by the department. Allows a prosecuting attorney to hold intervention meetings before filing an affidavit with the court regarding a habitual truant. Amends the definition of "absent student" for purposes of the truancy prevention policy provisions. Requires a public school to hold an attendance conference not later than 10 instructional days (instead of five instructional days) after the student's fifth absence. Prohibits a public school from expelling a student in kindergarten through grade 8 solely because the student is chronically absent or a habitual truant. Makes a conforming change.

Authors

Authored by Senators Donato and Rogers

Roll Calls

2025-02-04SenateSenate - Third reading PASS

Fiscal Outlook

Title Description Date View
Fiscal NoteFiscal Note #3: Senate Comm Sub2025-02-04 Click To View
Fiscal NoteFiscal Note #2: Senate Comm Sub2025-02-03 Click To View
Fiscal NoteFiscal Note #1: Senate Comm Sub2025-01-30 Click To View
Committee ReportSenate Committee Report2025-01-30 Click To View
Vote SheetVote Sheet January 29, 20252025-01-29 Click To View
Fiscal NoteFiscal Note #2: Introduced2025-01-15 Click To View
Fiscal NoteFiscal Note #1: Introduced2025-01-13 Click To View

History

Date Chamber Action
2025-03-03HouseFirst reading: referred to Committee on Education
2025-02-05SenateReferred to the House
2025-02-04SenateCosponsor: Representative McGuire
2025-02-04SenateHouse sponsor: Representative Davis
2025-02-04SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 77: yeas 49, nays 0
2025-02-03SenateSecond reading: ordered engrossed
2025-01-30SenateCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
2025-01-28SenateSenator Ford J.D. added as coauthor
2025-01-13SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Education and Career Development
2025-01-13SenateAuthored by Senators Donato and Rogers