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Committee approves bill requiring districts to adopt enforceable attendance policies for virtual students
Summary
Senators approved SB 576 to require school districts to adopt and enforce attendance policies for virtual learners; Department of Education staff and judges consulted on language and the bill was enacted after the committee suspended rules to consider it.
The Senate Education Committee approved a bill aimed at clarifying how districts determine truancy for students enrolled in virtual programs.
Senator Clark requested suspension of rules to consider SB 576; the committee agreed. Ivy Feifer of the Department of Education explained the engrossed amendment (which became the bill) focuses on ensuring districts have enforceable attendance policies for remote learners while allowing flexibility because virtual programs differ district to district.
Committee members raised concerns about whether the bill imposes consequences on students and whether the Department would set uniform rules. Feifer said districts must have enforceable policies if they plan to offer an approved virtual program and the state board would need to approve those programs and policies. Sponsors said judges and superintendents reviewed the amendment and found it workable; teachers were not part of initial consultations.
After discussion, the committee moved and passed the bill by voice vote.
