This bill aims to enhance child welfare by mandating the reporting of school attendance concerns to local welfare agencies and modifying the definition of "habitual truant." It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 260C.007, subdivision 19, to include a new provision that defines a habitual truant as a child under age 12 who has seven unexcused absences from school, unless it can be proven that the absence is not due to the failure of the child's parent or guardian. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 260E.291, which requires individuals mandated to report to notify local welfare agencies if they believe a child has seven unexcused absences and is at risk of educational neglect or truancy.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates funds for grants to support child welfare response efforts aimed at improving school attendance. It allocates unspecified amounts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the commissioner of human services for grants to local welfare agencies, which will be used to provide services to families and evaluate the effectiveness of these programs in addressing attendance issues. The local welfare agency is tasked with responding to reports of unexcused absences and must offer culturally appropriate services to the affected families. If a child's absences persist despite attempts to engage the family, a report of educational neglect must be filed.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 260C.007