WA HB2044

Eliminates the option for school districts to file truancy petitions before a child's fifth unexcused absence, moving the threshold from the seventh to the fifth absence for triggering attendance agreements with parents or referral to community engagement boards

Requires school districts to file truancy petitions with juvenile court no later than a child's 15th unexcused absence only if an attendance agreement fails to be reached within 20 days or if the parent/child fails to comply with an existing agreement

Establishes that community engagement boards must meet with the child, parent, and school district representative within 20 days of referral to enter into an attendance agreement that includes intervention efforts, attendance expectations, and compliance deadlines

Removes the automatic stay of truancy petitions and court-ordered diversion to community engagement boards, instead requiring attendance agreements before petitions can be filed

Extends truancy-related provisions to charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools to the same extent as traditional school districts