NJ S3868

Establishes four attendance categories for New Jersey public school students: present, excused absence, State-excused absence, and unexcused absence, to be recorded daily when school is in session

Creates excused absences for physical health (including menstrual disorders), mental/behavioral health, required court attendance, and death in family, with medical documentation excusing up to five school days

Maintains six State-excused absences including religious observance, Veterans Day participation, election board activities, Take Our Children to Work Day, college visits for grades 11-12, and busing district closures

Excused and State-excused absences cannot count against perfect attendance recognition and must allow students to make up missed schoolwork, though excused absences still count toward chronic absenteeism calculations under federal requirements

Takes effect 180 days after enactment, becoming operative on the first full school year following the effective date