DE HB55

Increases the compulsory school attendance age requirement from 16 to 18 years old, phased in over two years with an interim age 17 requirement beginning September 1, 2018.

Allows children to obtain exemptions from compulsory attendance by receiving a high school diploma, certificate of performance, or obtaining a waiver from their school superintendent or charter school board president.

Requires students seeking a waiver to have an alternative learning plan with age-appropriate academic rigor, flexible learning opportunities (internships, apprenticeships, online courses, etc.), and approval from the superintendent or board president with appeal rights to district and state boards of education.

Preserves existing exemption allowing parents or guardians to request exemptions with supporting documentation from a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist.

Updates law enforcement provisions to reflect the new age requirements, allowing police officers to return to school or detain for up to 2 hours any student under age 17 (until September 1, 2019) or age 18 (effective September 1, 2019) found off school property without authorization.