Bill > HB2533

This bill modifies school absence reporting procedures by requiring school districts to take specific actions when a child under 17 accumulates 15 or more unexcused absences in a school year. When such absences occur, the school district must first schedule a meeting between the school counselor, the child, and the child's parent or guardian to develop an action plan to prevent further unexcused absences. If the parent fails to attend the meeting or the child continues to have unexcused absences, the school must report these absences to the children's division of the state social services department within one week, providing detailed information about the student. The children's division is then required to conduct a home visit and notify the parent about the potential for educational neglect if additional unexcused absences occur. If the child continues to have unexcused absences after the home visit, the parent can be subject to penalties under existing law. This bill aims to create a more proactive approach to addressing chronic school absences by involving parents and social services earlier in the process.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2533&year=2026&code=R