Bill > SF942

This bill modifies Minnesota's school attendance reporting and truancy laws, introducing several key changes. The bill redefines "habitual truant" to specifically apply to children 12 years and older, and expands the definition for educational neglect purposes. It mandates that schools and mandated reporters must immediately report to local welfare agencies when a child has seven full school day unexcused absences, indicating potential educational neglect. The bill requires schools to notify parents about truancy, including specific provisions for children with disabilities, and outlines a process for local welfare agencies to provide child welfare responses. When a child has persistent unexcused absences, the welfare agency must offer culturally appropriate services in partnership with community organizations, and if the family does not engage, the case may be referred to a county attorney. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for grants to local welfare agencies to support child welfare response efforts and program evaluation related to improving student attendance. The overall aim is to create a more proactive and supportive approach to addressing chronic school absenteeism, with a focus on helping families and children before resorting to punitive measures.

Education, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0942&ssn=0&y=2025