SB3841 Summary

• Prohibits school districts from taking punitive action against truant students until all appropriate and available supportive services have been provided, with services required to be trauma-informed and responsive to individual student needs.

• Prevents removal of students from attendance rolls for non-attendance until they have accrued 15 consecutive unexcused absences and either the district cannot locate the student after specified steps (phone calls, certified mail, 7-day wait) or has exhausted available supportive services without compelling return to school.

• Requires school districts to send a certified mail letter within 24 hours of removing a student from attendance rolls explaining the student's right to re-enroll and eligibility for immediate re-enrollment if experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

• Mandates that before removing homeless students or students with documented disabilities from rolls or referring parents to a municipality, districts must hold meetings with the student, parent/guardian, and relevant personnel to address barriers to attendance and review appropriateness of placement and services.

• Takes effect July 1, 2021.