This bill mandates that boards of directors for public school districts and authorities of accredited nonpublic schools establish policies to excuse absences for students in grades nine through twelve who participate in civic or political events. Each school must grant at least one excused absence per school year for such participation, provided that students notify school administrators in advance and demonstrate their learning through an essay or presentation related to the event. The bill outlines various activities that qualify as civic or political events, including voting, serving as a poll worker, attending political forums, and participating in public comment periods.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to ensure that absences related to these civic or political events do not count towards a student's chronic absenteeism record. Specifically, it clarifies that an absence due to participation in a civic or political event, as defined by the new policy, will not be considered when determining chronic absenteeism, thus protecting students' attendance records while encouraging civic engagement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 299.1, 299.12