Oregon legislature approves House Bill 3199 to improve school attendance rates

House Bill 3199, introduced in the Oregon State Legislature on April 16, 2025, aims to tackle the pressing issue of school attendance across the state. The bill, sponsored by Representative H. Nguyen, Senator Weber, and several other legislators, seeks to implement a comprehensive study and develop strategies to improve student attendance rates.

The primary provisions of House Bill 3199 include directives for the Legislative Policy and Research Director to conduct an extensive study on existing statewide attendance initiatives since the 2017-2018 school year. This study will evaluate various policies, grant programs, and support systems aimed at enhancing school attendance. The findings are expected to be submitted to the interim education committees by December 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Oregon Department of Education to establish an advisory committee that will review the study's findings and recommend a policy for improving attendance to the State Board of Education. It also requires the department to publicly share data on student attendance, distinguishing between regular attendees and those who are chronically absent. Furthermore, the bill proposes the development of best practices for managing student absences and a standardized coding system for reporting these absences across school districts.

House Bill 3199 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and education advocates regarding its potential impact on student engagement and academic success. Proponents argue that improving attendance is crucial for enhancing educational outcomes, while critics express concerns about the feasibility of implementing the proposed measures effectively.

The bill's emergency clause indicates a sense of urgency among legislators to address the attendance crisis, which has been exacerbated by the challenges posed during the COVID-19 pandemic. If passed, House Bill 3199 could lead to significant changes in how attendance is monitored and managed in Oregon schools, potentially influencing educational policies and funding allocations in the future.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely watching the bill's progress and the implications it may have for students, parents, and educators across the state.