ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: ED DP 8-0-0-0 | 3^rd Read 29-0-1-0 House: ED DP 10-0-0-0 | 3rd Read 37-23-0-0

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SB 1097: pupils; excused absences; mental health

Sponsor: Senator Bowie, LD 18

Transmitted to the Governor

Overview

Directs the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to identify an absence due a pupil's mental or behavioral health as an excused absence.

History

School district governing boards and charter school governing bodies are required to adopt policies allowing for the excuse of students for religious purposes (A.R.S. § 15-806). 

ADE guidelines provide that an excused absence includes an absence due to illness, doctor appointment, bereavement, family emergencies or out-of-school suspensions. To be excused, these absences must be authorized by a parent if the student is under the age of 16. ADE guidelines allow school districts and charter schools to determine whether an absence due to family vacation is an excused or unexcused absence. Any other type of absence not specifically designated is counted as unexcused.

Guardians of students in kindergarten through the 8th grade must authorize their student's absence in advance or at the time of absence. If the guardian fails to do so, the school must make a reasonable effort to notify the guardian of the student's absence from school (A.R.S. § 15-807). Statute deems it unlawful for any student between the ages of 6 and 16 to fail to attend school during school hours, unless otherwise authorized to be absent (A.R.S. § 15-803).

Provisions

1. Instructs ADE to identify an absence due to a pupil’s mental or behavioral health as an excused absence. (Sec. 1)

2. Allows ADE to adopt guidelines and rules for determining what constitutes an absence due to a pupil's mental or behavioral health. (Sec. 1)

3. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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                        SB 1097

Initials CH/AN Page 0 Transmitted

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