IL HB4343

Renames Section 2-3.163 to Section 2-3.164 and establishes an Attendance Commission within the State Board of Education to study chronic absenteeism and recommend prevention strategies.

Commission membership includes directors/chairs from seven state agencies and educational bodies, plus representatives from 18 specified non-profit organizations and associations appointed by the State Superintendent of Education.

Commission shall recommend standards for attendance and chronic absenteeism, improve data systems to track absenteeism from pre-K through grade 12, establish reporting and accountability mechanisms, and identify best practices for prevention.

Commission members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for travel expenses; must submit an initial report by March 15, 2016 and annual reports by December 15 each year thereafter.

The Attendance Commission is automatically abolished and this section repealed on December 16, 2020.