This bill amends several provisions related to student attendance in Minnesota, specifically addressing legitimate exemptions for school attendance, reporting requirements, and notification procedures for student absences and reenrollment. Notably, it modifies the process by which parents or guardians can apply for their child to be excused from school attendance, allowing applications to be made to a designated school official rather than any board member. The bill also clarifies that a student is counted as in attendance when a school employee is present to supervise them and introduces new reporting requirements for school principals regarding students who were previously enrolled but are not currently attending.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts notify local welfare agencies when a student is dropped from the school 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 of the situation. 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