Prohibiting grade promotion on the basis of absences from school. (FE)

What it would have done

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

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, this bill prohibits a school board, the governing body of a private school participating in a parental choice program, and the operator of an independent charter school from promoting a pupil to the next grade if the pupil was absent from school for more than the equivalent of 30 full days of school during the school year. Under the bill, absences on days of school for which the compulsory school attendance law does not apply to a pupil are not counted for this purpose. Under current law, the compulsory school attendance law does not apply to a pupil if 1) the pupil is excused because the pupil is temporarily not in proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program but is expected to return to a school program upon termination or abatement of the illness or condition;

2) the pupil is excused in accordance with a written attendance policy and with the written approval of the pupil's parent or guardian; 3) the pupil is excused in writing by his or her parent or guardian before the absence; or 4) the pupil is excused in writing by the pupil's parent or guardian and by the principal of the pupil's school for the purpose of serving as an election official.

Who's behind it

3 senators are its authors⁠. All 3 are Republicans.

15 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DPI