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 aged five to six attend school or receive alternative instruction until they turn eighteen, graduate, or are excused from attendance. A significant change is the introduction of a new section allowing children to withdraw from school at age 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to truancy officers any enrolled individuals of compulsory school age who are not excused from school and have not withdrawn or completed a high school equivalency test.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. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate attendance records and ensuring that children of compulsory school age are attending school regularly.

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