This bill proposes an amendment to West Virginia's Code regarding student attendance, specifically addressing the treatment of excused absences. It seeks to exclude absences due to participation in 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and other recognized student organizations from the existing 10-day limit on excused absences. The bill clarifies that students participating in these activities will be credited as present, similar to those attending educational field trips, and ensures that their academic performance will not be negatively impacted due to their participation. Additionally, it mandates that documentation of participation must be provided by an agent of the sanctioned organization.

The bill also makes several deletions and insertions to the current law. Notably, it removes the previous stipulation that the total amount of excused absences under certain categories, including school-approved activities, must not exceed 10 per school year. Instead, it emphasizes that absences related to recognized student organizations are exempt from this limit. The legislation aims to promote student engagement in extracurricular activities while ensuring that their attendance records remain unaffected by their participation in these programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-8-4
Engrossed Version: 18-8-4