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WV SB1020
WV SB1020Allowing up to five educational leave days within definition of "excused absence"
summary
Introduced
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend and reenact §18-8-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to compulsory school attendance; including up to five educational leave days within the definition of "excused absence"; requiring the child or parent, guardian, or custodian of the child to submit a note from the parent, guardian, or custodian within three days after the child returns to school explaining what the day or days were used for; requiring state board rule defining what qualifies as educational leave; allowing certain school personnel to refuse to count a day as an educational leave day if the explanation in the note of what the day was used for does not qualify under the state board rule; and excluding student excused absences due to participation in 4-H, FFA, and certain other student organization activities from the 10-day limit that currently applies to that type of excused absence plus excused absences due to county- or school-approved curricular or extra-curricular activities and college visits.
AI Summary
This bill amends West Virginia law to allow up to five "educational leave days" per school year to be considered "excused absences," meaning students will not be penalized for missing school on these days as long as they are for legitimate educational purposes. To qualify, parents or guardians must submit a note within three days of the student's return to school explaining how the days were used, and the State Board of Education will create a rule to define what constitutes an educational leave day. School officials can deny these days if the explanation doesn't meet the defined criteria. Additionally, the bill clarifies that absences for participation in certain student organizations like 4-H, FFA, and other state-recognized groups, as well as school-approved activities and college visits, are not subject to the existing 10-day limit for excused absences, effectively allowing more flexibility for these types of absences.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
On 2nd reading (on 02/25/2026)
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