This bill mandates that boards of directors of school districts, authorities overseeing accredited nonpublic schools, and governing boards of charter schools establish policies to excuse absences for students in grades six through twelve who participate in civic or political events. Each school district and accredited nonpublic school must grant at least one excused absence per school year for such participation, provided that students notify the relevant school administrator at least 24 hours in advance. The bill defines civic or political events to include activities such as voting, serving as a poll worker, attending governmental meetings, and participating in political rallies or forums.

Additionally, the bill specifies that absences related to participation in these civic or political events will not count towards a student's total absences for the purpose of determining chronic absenteeism. This provision aims to encourage student engagement in civic activities while ensuring that their educational standing is not adversely affected by their participation in such events.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 299.1, 299.12