SB568: Creating multi-tiered system for school absenteeism

Legislative Summary

The purpose of this bill is to change the focus from truancy and unexcused absences to a multi-tiered system of support and all absences, both excused and unexcused; limit the number of parental excuses that can be accepted each school year as documentation that an absence is excused; require county attendance director and assistant to ensure the implementation of MTSS interventions; recognize that the existing definition of "neglected child" includes failure to supply necessary education; refer to existing school personnel reporting requirement applicable in certain cases pertaining to child neglect; and make referral for the development of a diversion program in truancy offense matters discretionary.