Senate File 277 modifies provisions related to compulsory education, truancy, and chronic absenteeism in Iowa. The bill introduces a new subsection that requires the Iowa county attorneys association to develop and distribute a model policy for county attorneys, school districts, and accredited nonpublic schools to reference when enforcing truancy laws. Additionally, it expands the list of acceptable reasons for student absences to include military applicants undergoing processing, individuals engaged in military service, and those traveling to attend funerals or weddings. The bill also mandates that school district policies must outline how these exceptions can be met and consider travel time.

Furthermore, the bill amends the notification process for chronic absenteeism by allowing notices to be sent via ordinary mail, electronic mail, or in-person delivery, rather than solely by certified mail. It also requires schools to maintain a copy of the notice until the student graduates, turns 21, or is no longer enrolled. Lastly, if a child is absent for 15% or more of the grading period, school officials are tasked with identifying the reasons for the absences and initiating a school engagement meeting to address barriers to attendance and potential interventions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9, 299.1, 299.12
Enrolled: 256.9, 299.1, 299.12