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IA SF2325
IA SF2325A bill for an act requiring boards of directors of school districts, the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools, and the governing boards of charter schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades six through twelve for civic or political events.
summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill requires boards of directors of school districts, the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools, and the governing boards of charter schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades 6 through 12 for civic or political events. The bill requires the board of directors of each public school district, the authorities in charge of each accredited nonpublic school, and the governing boards of charter schools to adopt a policy that requires the school district or accredited nonpublic school to grant a student who is enrolled in grades 6 through 12 at least one excused absence each school year when the student is absent from school because of the student’s participation in a civic or political event. The bill establishes that such policy is to include a requirement that the student give notice of the student’s intent to participate in the civic or political event at least 24 hours in advance of the civic or political event. The bill defines “civic or political event” to include voting in an election, serving as a poll worker, participating in a strike, attending a meeting of a federal, state, or local governmental body, attending a political rally, attending a political forum, attending a civic forum, or attending a town hall meeting. The bill provides that a student’s absence from school that is related to participation in a civic or political event shall not be considered an absence from school for purposes of truancy or the enforcement of standards related to chronic absenteeism.
AI Summary
This bill requires school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to establish policies allowing students in grades six through twelve to have at least one excused absence per school year for participation in a "civic or political event," which is broadly defined to include activities like voting, serving as a poll worker, attending government meetings, or participating in rallies and forums. To receive this excused absence, students must provide at least 24 hours' advance notice to the school. Importantly, these absences will not count towards truancy or chronic absenteeism calculations, meaning they won't negatively impact a student's attendance record.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Subcommittee: Sinclair, Rozenboom, and Trone Garriott. S.J. 295. (on 02/16/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2325 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF2325.html |
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