The proposed bill amends Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 18, Subchapter 2, to establish provisions for excused absences for students who are children of fallen service members or first responders. It introduces a new section, 6-18-238, which defines the criteria for excused absences related to mental health concerns or attendance at supportive events organized for families affected by the loss of service members or first responders. Specifically, it allows students who meet the qualifications of being a child of a fallen service member or first responder to be excused from school under certain conditions.
To qualify for an excused absence, the student's parent or guardian must provide written documentation of the absence, and the student must maintain good academic standing and attendance records. Additionally, the bill stipulates that absences cannot occur during standardized testing dates. The legislation aims to support the mental health and well-being of students affected by the loss of a parent in service, ensuring they have the necessary time to attend supportive events without penalty to their education.