Requiring an evaluation to determine whether a pupil with an extended absence from school is a child with a disability

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill requires a school attendance officer to direct a pupil services professional to determine whether to refer a child who has been excused absent for ten or more days in a school year because the child is temporarily not in proper physical or mental condition to attend school for an evaluation as to whether the child is a child with a disability. Under current law, a child who has been evaluated and determined to be a child with a disability may be eligible for certain special education and related services. Under current law, a “pupil services professional” is a school counselor, school social worker, school psychologist, or school nurse. Current law defines a “school attendance officer” as an employee designated by the school board to deal with matters relating to school attendance and truancy.

The bill also requires the school attendance officer to notify the parent or guardian of a pupil that has been absent without an excuse for part or all of five or more days that the parent or guardian may request an evaluation of whether the child is a child with a disability or, for a child who has been identified as a child with a disability and for whom an individualized education program has been prepared, a review and, if appropriate, revision of the child's IEP.

Who's behind it

16 lawmakers are its authors⁠. 10 are Democrats and 6 are Republicans.

2 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.