VA HB653

Students with immediate family members serving as active duty uniformed services members who are scheduled for deployment, on leave from deployment, or returning from deployment outside the United States are entitled to five excused absences to visit with that family member

Written documentation verifying the leave or deployment may be required if requested by the local school division

Amends Virginia Code § 22.1-254, which governs compulsory school attendance requirements and excused absences

Adds a new subsection (M) to the existing list of permissible excused absences, which already includes religious holidays, mental health days, civic events, and tribal pow wow gatherings