Bill > B26-0275

This bill establishes a truancy pilot program in the District of Columbia that will require 5 secondary schools with truancy rates over 50% in the 2023-2024 school year to refer students aged 14-17 to the Department of Human Services (DHS) after they accumulate 15 unexcused full school day absences within a school year. The Mayor must identify and notify these schools by August 12, 2024, at least 10 business days before the start of the school year. DHS is required to publish two reports (a preliminary report by March 31, 2025, and a final report by August 15, 2025) that detail the interventions provided, common reasons for unexcused absences, and analyze the impact of these interventions by comparing students' attendance, academic performance, and delinquency status before and after referral, as well as comparing participating and non-participating schools. The term "delinquency status" specifically refers to whether a student was arrested during the analyzed period. Participating schools will be exempt from existing truancy requirements for students in this age group during the pilot. The bill is an emergency act that will remain in effect for 90 days after its applicability date.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0275