ND SB2226

Students are deemed in attendance unless they exceed three consecutive unexcused school days, six unexcused half days, or 21 unexcused class periods per semester.

School districts and nonpublic schools must adopt policies defining excused absences as those supported by verbal or written excuse from a parent, teacher, or administrator, and specifying documentation requirements.

Teachers must notify administrators of unexcused absences, and administrators must investigate and refer cases to local law enforcement if parents fail to ensure attendance.

Failing to ensure a student attends school is an infraction for a first offense and a class B misdemeanor for subsequent offenses, with an affirmative defense available if substantial efforts were made but the student could not be compelled to attend.

School districts and nonpublic schools must submit attendance data to the superintendent of public instruction, and the superintendent must disseminate information on truancy prevention and intervention best practices.