This bill establishes provisions for excused absences for students in public and public charter schools who participate in civic engagement and career or technical education (CTE) activities, allowing up to two absences per academic year, with potential for more if enrolled in extended learning opportunities. Parents are required to notify schools at least two school days in advance of the absence, except on election days. The bill defines "civic events" and "CTE events," and mandates that schools verify student participation. It also includes a process for parents to request a school reassignment due to educational hardship and clarifies existing legal residence requirements for school attendance.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 186:11 by adding a paragraph that directs the State Board of Education to create rules for recognizing civic and CTE events as alternative academic credit in secondary schools. This includes activities such as testifying on legislation and attending local government meetings. The Board will maintain a list of recognized CTE organizations, which will help determine excused absences, and the initial list includes organizations like 4-H and SkillsUSA. Additionally, a new section, RSA 193:1-d, outlines criteria for excusing absences for these activities, requiring schools to verify attendance and parents to provide advance notice. The bill also includes a contingency clause regarding its implementation based on another bill, HB 1448, and specifies effective dates for various sections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186:11
As Amended by the House: 186:11
As Amended by the Senate: 186:11, 193:3, 193:12
Version adopted by both bodies: 186:11, 193:3, 193:12
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 186:11, 193:3, 193:12
HB1573 text: 186:11