SB0605 Summary

• Creates new Section 22-90 requiring school districts, charter schools, and schools receiving public funds to develop and annually communicate an absenteeism and truancy policy including definitions of valid absences, diagnostic procedures for identifying causes of unexcused absences, and available supportive services.

• Requires policies to address chronic absenteeism per Section 26-18 and mandates that diagnostic procedures include interviews with students, parents or guardians, and relevant school officials.

• Mandates supportive services for truant and chronically truant students including parent conferences, student counseling, family counseling, and information about community resources.

• Requires absenteeism and truancy policies to be updated every 2 years and filed with the State Board of Education and regional superintendents.

• Makes conforming amendments to Sections 26-13 and 27A-5 to reference the new absenteeism and truancy policy requirements and clarify charter school compliance obligations.

• Effective July 1, 2022.