This bill amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes related to education, specifically focusing on attendance definitions, student reenrollment, and the handling of educational neglect cases. Key changes include the clarification of legitimate exemptions for school attendance, allowing parents to withdraw children from all-day kindergarten programs without being considered truant, and establishing that a student is counted as in attendance when a school employee supervises them. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts notify local welfare agencies when a student is dropped from the roll due to unexcused absences and requires the Department of Education to assist in the reenrollment of these students.

Significant amendments also include changing the age threshold for presumptions regarding truancy or educational neglect from 12 to 16 years, thereby increasing the age at which a child's absence is presumed to be due to parental failure to comply with compulsory education laws. The bill also introduces new reporting requirements for school principals regarding students who are no longer enrolled, ensuring that families are informed of available resources and educational opportunities. These changes aim to enhance student attendance, support families in maintaining educational engagement, and streamline the process for reenrolling students who have been absent.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120A.22
1st Engrossment: 120A.22, 120A.24, 120B.305, 126C.05, 260C.163