The bill amends various sections of the West Virginia Code to address chronic absenteeism in schools by establishing that compulsory school attendance requirements will end on a student's 18th birthday. It removes criminal penalties for students aged 18 and older who are chronically absent, ensuring they receive the same notifications regarding unexcused absences as their parents or guardians. The bill introduces definitions for "chronically absent" and "student support specialist," and outlines the responsibilities of school officials in coordinating support services for students facing attendance issues. Additionally, it clarifies the roles of county attendance directors and their assistants in promoting regular school attendance and allows for referrals to the Department of Human Services for wrap-around services.

Furthermore, the legislation removes truancy as a status offense, ensuring that any pending truancy charges are dismissed, while allowing for continued participation in diversion programs if beneficial to the juvenile. It emphasizes the importance of meaningful contact with parents or guardians of students with unexcused absences and establishes a framework for the county prosecutor to petition the circuit court for protection of chronically absent students. The bill also introduces a mandatory prepetition diversion program for status offenses, focusing on community-based services and informal resolutions rather than punitive measures. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and support for students struggling with attendance issues while ensuring compliance with attendance laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-8-1a, 18-8-2, 18-8-4, 18-8-5, 18-8-6a, 21-6-9, 49-1-202, 49-1-206, 49-4-701, 49-4-702, 49-4-702a, 49-4-711, 49-4-712