The proposed bill amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes related to education, specifically focusing on attendance definitions, student reenrollment, and the handling of children in need of protective services or educational neglect. Key changes include the clarification of legitimate exemptions for school attendance, allowing parents to apply for their child's excusal from school for various reasons, including health issues and family emergencies. The bill also introduces a new requirement for school districts to notify local welfare agencies when a student is dropped from the roll due to unexcused absences exceeding 15 consecutive school days, and mandates that the Department of Education take responsibility for reenrolling students who have been removed from attendance rolls.

Additionally, the bill modifies the presumptions regarding truancy and educational neglect by raising the age from 12 to 16, indicating that a child's absence is presumed due to parental failure to comply with compulsory education laws unless proven otherwise. The bill also emphasizes the importance of communication between schools, families, and local welfare agencies to support student reenrollment and educational opportunities. 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, 260C.163