summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
Crossed Over
02/05/2025
02/05/2025
Passed
04/16/2025
04/16/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/06/2025
05/06/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Absenteeism and student discipline. Defines "chronically absent". Requires the department of education (department) to do the following: (1) Create a list of best practices to reduce student discipline and absenteeism. (2) Study and prepare a report regarding the basis for the categorization of certain suspensions and expulsions. (3) Establish a categorization framework for excused absences based on the reason for the absence. (4) Collect certain information regarding absences from school corporations and charter schools and prepare and post a report regarding the information on the department's website. Provides that the absence policy adopted by the governing body of a school corporation must provide for the categorization of excused absences in accordance with the categorization framework established by the department. Allows a prosecuting attorney to conduct a meeting, collaborate, and make reasonable efforts to secure appropriate support services for a child and the child's family before filing an affidavit with regard to a violation of compulsory school attendance requirements. 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 or suspending a student solely because the student is chronically absent or a habitual truant.
AI Summary
This bill addresses absenteeism and student discipline in Indiana, introducing several key provisions to improve school attendance and reduce punitive measures. The bill defines "chronically absent" as missing ten percent or more of a school year for any reason and requires the Department of Education to establish a comprehensive framework for tracking and addressing student absences. The department must create a list of best practices for reducing student discipline and absenteeism, collect detailed absence data disaggregated by various demographic factors, and annually report this information on their website. The bill also modifies the truancy process by allowing prosecuting attorneys to conduct meetings and collaborate with families to develop intervention plans before filing legal action, focusing on addressing root causes of absenteeism through support services like mental health counseling and educational assistance. Additionally, the bill prohibits schools from expelling or suspending students solely due to chronic absence or habitual truancy, extends the timeline for holding attendance conferences from five to ten instructional days after a student's fifth absence, and amends the definition of "absent student" to include students in kindergarten through 12th grade. These changes aim to create a more supportive and understanding approach to student attendance, emphasizing intervention and support over punitive measures.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Public Law 208 (on 05/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
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