The bill aims to reform the handling of unexcused student absences by removing the requirement for school districts to file truancy petitions before a child's fifth unexcused absence. Instead, it mandates that school districts must create an attendance agreement with the parent or child (if aged eight or older) through direct engagement or via a community engagement board. Truancy petitions will only be filed if there is non-compliance with the attendance agreement or if no agreement is reached. The bill highlights the role of community engagement boards in providing early intervention programs to reduce truancy and prevent juvenile court involvement.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance school district responsibilities regarding unexcused absences. It requires districts to inform parents of absences, hold conferences to analyze causes, and take data-informed actions to reduce absences. The bill specifies that community engagement boards must meet with the child, parent, and school representative within 20 days of a referral to create an attendance agreement, while also detailing the components of this agreement. Furthermore, it introduces penalties for parents of children with unexcused absences, allowing fines and alternative community restitution options, and mandates the collection and reporting of truancy data to identify disparities and improve intervention strategies.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.225.030, 28A.225.015, 28A.225.025, 28A.225.151, 7.21.080, 36.18.020, 4.08.050
Engrossed Bill: 28A.225.0261, 28A.225.015, 28A.225.020, 28A.225.025, 28A.225.030, 28A.225.035, 28A.225.090, 2.56.140, 28A.225.900