AK HB363

Raises the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18 years old, requiring children who are six years old or older and under 18 years to attend public school.

Changes the crime of contributing to the delinquency of a minor to include encouraging children under 18 (instead of under 16) to be repeatedly absent from school without just cause.

Allows exceptions to compulsory attendance for children with physical or mental conditions, those in court or law enforcement custody, those suspended or expelled, those attending private schools with certificated teachers, and those being homeschooled.

Adds an affirmative defense for persons charged with contributing to a minor's delinquency if they reasonably believed the child was in danger of physical injury or needed shelter and notified authorities within 12 hours.

Modifies the graduation exemption to specify that children who have completed the 12th grade or graduated from secondary school are exempt from compulsory attendance requirements.