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Bill > HF2612

IA HF2612

IA HF2612
A 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
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
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 that excuse absences for students in grades six through twelve who participate in civic or political events, granting at least one excused absence per school year for such participation. These policies must include a requirement for students to provide at least 24 hours' advance notice of their intent to participate in an event, which is defined broadly to include activities like voting, serving as a poll worker, attending government meetings, or participating in political or civic forums and rallies. Importantly, absences excused under this policy will not count towards truancy or chronic absenteeism calculations, ensuring that students are not penalized for engaging in these civic activities.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (19)

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Education. H.J. 346. (on 02/19/2026)
(1 Companion Bills)

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