Truancy procedures updated

Senators passed a bill April 2 that revises the state’s student truancy provisions.

In 2010, the Legislature passed a bill requiring school districts to report cases to a county attorney when a student has been absent 20 days or more per year, whether the absences are excused or unexcused.

LB933, introduced by Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford, requires that the report indicate whether:

• the absences are due to documented illness or are otherwise excused;
• the school requests more time to work with the student before the county attorney intervenes; or
• the school has used all reasonable efforts to address the child’s absence from school without success and recommends intervention by the county attorney.

If further action is needed after the 20-day report, the county attorney, the parents and the school representative will meet at a location determined by the school.

The bill passed 44-0.