HB 1201: Education matters.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Defines "chronically absent". Requires the department of education (department) to do the following: (1) Create a list of best practices to reduce student discipline and chronic absenteeism. (2) Study and prepare a report regarding the basis for the categorization of certain suspensions and expulsions. (3) Establish a categorization framework to distinguish between excused and unexcused absences based on the reason for the absence. (4) Collect certain information regarding absences from school corporations and charter schools. (5) Prepare and post a report regarding the information on the department's website. Provides that the absence policy adopted by the governing body of a school corporation must provide for the categorization of excused and unexcused absences in accordance with the categorization framework established by the department. Allows a prosecuting attorney to conduct a meeting, collaborate, and make reasonable efforts to secure appropriate support services for a child and the child's family before filing an affidavit with regard to a violation of compulsory school attendance requirements. Requires a public school to hold an attendance conference not later than 10 instructional days (instead of five instructional days) after the student's fifth absence. Prohibits a public school from expelling or suspending a student solely because the student is chronically absent or a habitual truant.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 18, 2025First reading: referred to Committee on Education and Career Development
2. January 31, 2025Referred to the Senate
3. January 30, 2025Third reading: passed; Roll Call 51: yeas 87, nays 0
4. January 30, 2025Cosponsor: Senator Donato
5. January 30, 2025Senate sponsor: Senator Raatz
6. January 29, 2025Second reading: ordered engrossed
7. January 27, 2025Committee report: amend do pass, adopted
8. January 27, 2025Representative Smith V added as coauthor
9. January 27, 2025Representative Klinker added as coauthor
10. January 8, 2025Authored by Representative Behning
11. January 8, 2025First reading: referred to Committee on Education