Bill > SB0407

This bill creates the Chronic Absence Task Force within the State Board of Education to study and develop strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism among early childhood and K-12 students. The Task Force will comprise 20 members, including representatives from various educational organizations, state agencies, and advocacy groups, who will serve without compensation. The task force is charged with identifying approaches to help families, educators, and administrators mitigate high rates of student absences, and will be required to develop recommendations including a statewide strategy for reducing chronic absenteeism, establishing state goals for attendance, recommending policy changes, and suggesting evidence-based practices for supporting students. The Task Force must submit a comprehensive report to the General Assembly and State Board of Education by December 15, 2027, after which the Task Force will be dissolved on January 31, 2028. The bill defines chronic absenteeism broadly, focusing on students in state-funded early childhood programs and public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, with the ultimate goal of improving student readiness for college and careers. The provisions of this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Education, Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=407&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104