Senate Bill 996 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 6-18-209 to clarify that student attendance policies may include excessive unexcused absences as a mandatory basis for denial of promotion or graduation.

• Modifies § 6-18-220 to specify that school districts granting additional excused absences for FFA participation must afford equal treatment to FHA and 4-H member students for the same or similar officially sanctioned activities.

• Changes terminology throughout the code from "excessive absences" to "excessive unexcused absences" for clarity and consistency.

• Amends § 6-18-222 to allow students or their parents/guardians to petition school administration for special arrangements to address unexcused absences before accumulating the maximum number permitted.

• Clarifies that excessive unexcused absences cannot be used as a basis for expulsion or dismissal, and establishes legislative intent that students with unexcused absences due to illness, accident, or unavoidable reasons should receive assistance in obtaining credit.

• Grants additional excused absences to high school students working as election pages or election officials under § 7-4-116.