AK HB335

Amends compulsory school attendance law to lower the minimum age from 7 years old to 6 years old and raise the maximum age from 16 years old to 18 years old.

Changes the crime of contributing to the delinquency of a minor to apply to children under 18 years old instead of under 16 years old when encouraging repeated, unjustified school absences.

Expands the definition of "contributing to the delinquency of a minor" to include encouraging children under 18 to be repeatedly absent from school without just cause.

Maintains existing exemptions from compulsory attendance including private school, homeschooling, medical conditions, suspension/expulsion, distance from school, and board-approved educational experiences.

Adds affirmative defense for persons charged with contributing to delinquency if they reasonably believed a child was in danger and notified law enforcement or Department of Health and Social Services within 12 hours.