IL SB3537

Amends the definition of "truant" to mean a child subject to compulsory school attendance who is absent without valid cause for more than 1%, but less than 5%, of the past 180 school days (changed from "a school day or portion thereof").

Maintains the definition of "valid cause" for absence as illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, and other situations beyond the student's control as determined by the local school board.

Defines "chronic or habitual truant" as a child absent without valid cause for 5% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days.

Defines "truant minor" as a chronic truant to whom supportive services, including prevention, diagnostic, intervention, and remedial services, alternative programs, and school/community resources have been provided but failed, or were offered and refused.

Becomes effective July 1, 2018.