Committee adopts substitute to standardize attendance reporting, separates excused absences from penalties
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Summary
The committee adopted the fourth substitute to SB 58 to create uniform attendance definitions and reporting; sponsors said the substitute clarifies that excused absences will be tracked for federal reporting but will not be used to punish LEAs or students. Committee recommended the bill unanimously.
Senator Fillmore presented Senate Bill 58 (Fourth Substitute) as a legislative response to audits of attendance reporting, saying the bill seeks consistent definitions and reporting so policymakers have reliable data. He described changes to definitions (what constitutes a school day and attendance‑validated vs. learner‑validated programs) and said the fourth substitute corrects technical issues raised by the state board and federal compliance concerns.
Committee members sought clarification about excused versus unexcused absences and whether virtual make‑up days count as instructional time. Sponsor and drafting attorneys explained the bill keeps federal tracking requirements (including excused and unexcused absences) but clarifies that penalties or punitive actions will not be assessed for excused absences; synchronous virtual instruction provided by teachers still counts as an instructional day.
Multiple public commenters urged protections for students with medical conditions and urged separating parental excuse rights from punitive thresholds. The committee adopted the substitute and then recommended SB 58 favorably as substituted; the sponsor emphasized the primary aim is better, uniform data to guide future policy decisions.