HB4170 Summary

• Allows school boards to establish a voluntary "civic engagement day" permitting students in grades 7-12 to request one excused absence per school year to participate in organized civic engagement activities or events.

• Students must submit a written request prior to the absence and obtain written parental/guardian consent acknowledging the activity is voluntary and not school-sanctioned.

• School officials cannot deny requested absences based on the content or purpose of the civic engagement activity or event.

• Students must provide evidence or documentation after the absence to verify participation in the civic engagement activity or event.

• Participation is completely voluntary; school districts may not require students to participate in civic engagement activities or events.