This bill amends existing provisions regarding the compulsory age for school attendance in South Dakota. It stipulates that parents or guardians must ensure that children between the ages of five and six attend school or receive alternative instruction until they reach eighteen, graduate, or are excused from attendance. A significant change is the introduction of a new section allowing children to withdraw from school at the age of seventeen with written consent from a parent or guardian. Additionally, it allows children aged sixteen and older to enroll in high school equivalency test preparation programs or take the equivalency test under certain conditions, such as parental consent or verification of credit deficiencies.

The bill also revises the responsibilities of school superintendents and truancy officers regarding attendance records and reporting. Superintendents must report to truancy officers any enrolled individuals of compulsory school age who are not attending school regularly and have not withdrawn or completed a high school equivalency test. Furthermore, it establishes penalties for noncompliance with attendance laws, including a Class 2 misdemeanor for superintendents or school board members who fail to fulfill their duties. Overall, the bill aims to enhance school attendance enforcement and provide more flexible options for students seeking alternative educational pathways.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/14/2025: 13-27-1, 13-27-15, 13-27-18, 13-27-19, 13-27-16
Senate Education Engrossed, 01/28/2025: 13-27-1, 13-27-15, 13-27-18, 13-27-19, 13-27-16
Senate Engrossed, 01/31/2025: 13-27-1, 13-27-15, 13-27-18, 13-27-19, 13-27-16
Enrolled, 02/25/2025: 13-27-1, 13-27-15, 13-27-18, 13-27-19, 13-27-16