The bill H.930 seeks to combat chronic absenteeism in Vermont schools by amending existing laws related to compulsory attendance. It introduces new definitions such as "absence," "chronic absenteeism," "excused absence," "truancy," and "unexcused absence," which clarify the criteria for student absences. The bill also places specific responsibilities on parents or guardians to ensure their children attend school unless there are valid reasons for absence. Additionally, it establishes a framework for schools to create policies aimed at preventing and addressing chronic absenteeism, including the requirement for the Agency of Education to develop a model policy that must be reviewed annually and accommodate students with disabilities.

Moreover, the bill amends 16 V.S.A. § 1162 to allow schools to provide alternative education options during suspensions of three or more days and for expelled students, ensuring compliance with existing legal standards. It mandates the Agency of Education to report on the model policy's development by March 15, 2027, with a final policy due by July 1, 2027, and requires school boards to implement their own policies by July 1, 2028. The bill also repeals 16 V.S.A. § 1076, which relates to penalties, and instructs the Agency of Education to recommend updates to the home study program law by December 1, 2026, to enhance oversight and compliance with attendance requirements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-25, 16-1162, 16-1076
As Passed By the House -- Official: 16-25, 16-1162, 16-1076
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 16-25, 16-1162, 16-1076