The bill modifies various provisions related to student attendance in Minnesota, specifically addressing legitimate exemptions for school attendance, reporting requirements, and notification procedures for student absences and reenrollment. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 120A.22, 120A.24, and 126C.05. Notably, it allows parents or guardians to apply for their child's excusal from attendance for legitimate reasons, such as health issues or family emergencies, and clarifies that a note from a physician or licensed mental health professional is a valid excuse. Additionally, the bill specifies that a student is counted as in attendance when supervised by a school employee and introduces new reporting requirements for school principals regarding students who are not enrolled in the current term.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that school districts notify local welfare agencies when a student is dropped from the roll due to unexcused absences exceeding 15 consecutive school days. This notification must include the student's most recent contact information, and the school is required to reach out to the student's family to encourage reenrollment. If the local welfare agency is unable to contact the student or their family, the school must inform the Department of Education. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120A.22
1st Engrossment: 120A.22, 120A.24, 120B.305, 126C.05
2nd Engrossment: 120A.22, 120A.24, 126C.05