HB 1418 Summary

• Exempts absences related to disabilities defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act from counting as unexcused absences.

• Prohibits truancy proceedings against parents or guardians of children with disabilities when absences result from the child's disability, and requires schools to conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine if absences are disability-related before proceeding.

• Requires the State Board of Education to establish mandatory annual training for school attendance officers covering IDEA and Section 504, designed to help officers identify children with potential disabilities, report findings to schools, and properly interact with disabled children.

• Takes effect July 1, 2020.