DE HB175

Allows one excused absence per school year for students in grades 6-12 to attend civic engagement activities, including visiting Capitol Hill or Legislative Hall, visiting historically or culturally significant sites, advocating for legislation, or participating in rallies, marches, or protests.

Defines "one excused absence" as one partial or full school day, and prohibits students from combining multiple partial days to create additional absences.

Requires parent or guardian written permission submitted to the school principal or designee at least 3 school days before the planned absence, with schools determining acceptable formats (letter, email, or school-designed form).

Prohibits students from redeeming or exchanging this excused absence if the civic engagement event occurs on a day when school is not in session.

Clarifies that the Delaware Department of Education has no responsibility for monitoring, tracking, or gathering data regarding these excused absences, with the act effective January 1, 2022.