The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7015, aims to amend Section 10-198a of the general statutes to exclude excused absences for students observing religious holidays from truancy determinations. The bill defines a "truant" as a child aged five to eighteen who has four unexcused absences in a month or ten unexcused absences in a school year. It mandates local and regional boards of education to adopt policies regarding truancy, including holding meetings with parents, coordinating services, and notifying parents of their obligations.

Key insertions in the bill include provisions that grant students one day of excused absence per school year for religious observance, with the possibility of additional days at the discretion of the local or regional board of education. It also specifies that both the child and their parent or legal guardian are responsible for obtaining and completing assignments prior to and after the excused absence. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to ensure that students are not penalized for participating in religious observances.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-198a