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 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 the age of seventeen with written consent from a parent or guardian. Additionally, the bill 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 includes amendments to existing sections that enhance the responsibilities of school superintendents and truancy officers in maintaining attendance records and reporting noncompliance. It establishes penalties for superintendents, school board members, and truancy officers who fail to fulfill their duties related to school attendance. Furthermore, it outlines the powers of truancy officers to apprehend children of compulsory school age who are absent without legal excuse and mandates that school boards warn noncompliant parents or guardians about their child's attendance requirements. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the enforcement of school attendance laws and provide more flexibility for older students regarding their educational paths.

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