Bill > SF277

This bill modifies Iowa's compulsory education laws by making several key changes related to school attendance and truancy. The bill requires the state to develop a model policy for county attorneys to reference when enforcing education attendance requirements, and expands the list of acceptable exceptions to school attendance to include situations such as military entrance processing, military service, traveling to funerals, and traveling to weddings. The legislation also adjusts the process for addressing chronic absenteeism by modifying notification procedures: school officials can now send absence notices through ordinary mail, electronic mail, electronic messages, or in-person delivery, instead of only certified mail. Additionally, when a child is absent for 15% or more of the grading period, school officials must attempt to understand the cause of absences and, if the absences are negatively impacting academic progress, initiate a school engagement meeting to identify attendance barriers and potential interventions. The bill aims to provide more flexibility in addressing student absences while ensuring a collaborative approach to supporting student attendance and academic success. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

Education (Senate)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF277