This bill modifies existing provisions related to compulsory education, truancy, and chronic absenteeism in Iowa. It mandates the director of the Department of Education to develop a model policy, in consultation with the Iowa County Attorneys Association, which will guide county attorneys in enforcing the provisions of Code chapter 299. The model policy will be distributed to county attorneys, school districts, and accredited nonpublic schools. Additionally, the bill expands the list of exceptions for absences that do not count towards truancy to include military entrance processing, military service, and travel for funerals and weddings. It also requires that school policies describe how these exceptions can be met and consider travel time.

Furthermore, the bill updates the notification process for chronic absenteeism. It allows school officials to send notices regarding a child's absences via ordinary mail, electronic mail, or in person, rather than solely by certified mail. The bill also stipulates that a school engagement meeting is only necessary if a school official determines that a child's absences are negatively impacting their academic progress, rather than being required for all cases of significant absenteeism. These changes aim to provide more flexibility and clarity in addressing attendance issues while ensuring that students' circumstances are taken into account.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9, 299.1, 299.12