Oregon lawmakers hold hearing on bill to study chronic absenteeism and expand attendance tools

House Bill 3199 would require the legislative policy and research director to conduct a statewide study of policies, grant programs, support programs and other initiatives used in Oregon to improve school attendance and chronic absenteeism, and it would require state agencies to assist the director and any contracted entity with the study. The measure, as described to the committee, would require the director to submit a report to the Oregon Legislature by Dec. 1, 2025, and declares an emergency so parts would take effect immediately.

The bill drew more than a dozen witnesses who described chronic absenteeism as rooted in transportation, mental‑health needs, family instability and lack of engagement. "These barriers are often more complex than simple truancy," Katie Cetanovich, chief of staff to Senator Suzanne Weber, read from Weber's written testimony. "House Bill 3199 aligns with these recommendations by ensuring that Oregon takes a proactive, compassionate approach to attendance issues by prioritizing engagement over punishment." Cetanovich noted Senator Weber could not attend the hearing in person.

"House Bill 3,199 requires the legislative policy and research director to conduct a study regarding policies, grant programs, support programs, and other initiatives implemented in Oregon to improve school attendance," a committee staff member summarized at the…