Defines "chronically absent". Requires the department of education (department) to do the following: (1) Establish a categorization framework to distinguish between excused and unexcused absences based on the reason for the absence. (2) Collect certain information regarding absences from school corporations and charter schools. (3) Prepare and submit a report regarding the information collected. Provides that the absence policy adopted by the governing body of a school corporation must provide for the categorization of excused and unexcused absences in accordance with the categorization framework established by the department. Allows a prosecuting attorney to hold intervention meetings before filing an affidavit with the court regarding a habitual truant. Amends the definition of "absent student" for purposes of the truancy prevention policy provisions. Requires a public school to hold an attendance conference not later than 10 instructional days (instead of five instructional days) after the student's fifth absence. Prohibits a public school from expelling a student in kindergarten through grade 8 solely because the student is chronically absent or a habitual truant. Makes a conforming change.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Senate Bill (S): 20-19-3-12.2, 20-33-2-11, 20-33-2-14, 20-33-2-26, 20-33-2-43, 20-33-2.5-1, 20-33-2.5-5
Senate Bill (S): 20-19-3-12.2, 20-33-2-11, 20-33-2-14, 20-33-2-26, 20-33-2-43, 20-33-2.5-1, 20-33-2.5-5