House Bill 1700, also known as Senate Bill 1705, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to school attendance. The bill introduces new language that emphasizes the importance of "attendance" alongside "academic" performance in Section 49-6-3001(c)(1)(B)(i). Additionally, it establishes new reporting requirements for students who transition from a Local Education Agency (LEA) to home schooling, particularly for those who had previously received tier two or tier three interventions for truancy. The bill mandates that the director of schools report any such student's absences to the juvenile court judge, who may impose fines or community service on the parent or guardian if the student accumulates five or more unexcused absences.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that if a student transfers schools during the academic year, their unexcused absences from the previous school will carry over to the new school for attendance tracking purposes. This provision is included in both Section 49-6-3009 and a new subsection added to Section 49-6-3007. The changes aim to enhance accountability for student attendance and ensure that all absences are accurately recorded, regardless of school transitions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-6-3001(c)(1)(B)(i), 49-6-3001, 49-6-3009, 49-6-3009(i), 49-6-3007