AR HB1527

Clarifies that public school districts must grant excused absences to students participating in 4-H activities or programs, along with National FFA Organization and Arkansas Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc., with equal treatment among all three programs.

Requires 4-H activities or programs to be scheduled and approved by a county extension agent, 4-H educator, or other appropriate authority for absences to be excused.

Each public school district board of directors must establish the maximum number of excused absences allowed for 4-H participation in the district's student attendance policy.

Students granted excused absences must be given the opportunity to complete missed schoolwork and cannot have their grades adversely affected due to their absence or participation in 4-H activities.

School principals cannot grant excused absences for 4-H participation during periods when statewide student assessments are administered or when the student has been disciplined, suspended, or expelled in a manner that would preclude participation in school-sponsored activities.