Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF277

Introduced
2/12/25  
Engrossed
3/10/25  
Refer
3/11/25  
Enrolled
5/6/25  

Caption

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to compulsory education, truancy, and chronic absenteeism. (Formerly SSB 1077.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Impact

The modifications introduced in SF277 will affect how schools handle cases of absenteeism. Specifically, it establishes new guidelines for how school officials should respond when a student becomes chronically absent, including the requirement to notify county attorneys and parents about the absences. This could lead to a more structured approach where schools must actively engage with families to identify barriers to attendance and implement appropriate interventions to support students. As such, the bill is expected to facilitate improved academic outcomes by addressing the root causes of absenteeism.

Summary

Senate File 277, titled 'An Act Modifying Provisions Related to Compulsory Education, Truancy, and Chronic Absenteeism,' addresses the issues of school attendance and truancy through a series of proposed amendments to current laws. The bill aims to enhance accountability by updating notification procedures for chronic absenteeism, thus aiming to engage families and local authorities more effectively in the education process. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. This legislation represents a significant step toward addressing absences and improving student engagement in schools.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SF277 appears to be positive among legislators, with overwhelming support reflected in its passage, as evidenced by the vote of 93 to 0. Proponents argue that the bill strengthens the partnership between schools and families in tackling absenteeism and ensuring that students receive the education they deserve. However, there may be concerns regarding the enforceability of new obligations on schools and the additional responsibilities they may entail.

Contention

While the bill was largely supported, there is a potential contention regarding the balance between enforcing attendance and understanding the diverse circumstances that can lead to absenteeism. Critics may argue that an increased emphasis on notification and enforcement could inadvertently penalize families facing challenges such as health issues or socioeconomic difficulties, thus emphasizing the need for a thoughtful approach to implementation that considers the unique situations of affected students.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1077

Related A bill for an act modifying provisions related to compulsory education, truancy, and chronic absenteeism.(See SF 277.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2435

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3201.) Effective date: 05/09/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF2547

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring school engagement meetings and attendance cooperation proceedings when children are absent from school, requiring school districts to restrict student use of cellular phones and smartphones, modifying provisions related to open enrollment of truant students, and modifying penalties. (Formerly HF 2254.)

IA SF2385

A bill for an act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions. (Formerly SSB 3172.) Effective date: 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA HF2704

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA SF565

A bill for an act relating to state and local finance and the administration of the tax and related laws by the department of revenue, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1148.) Effective date: 06/01/2023, 07/01/2023, 01/01/2024, 01/01/2026. Applicability date: 01/01/2023, 07/01/2024.

IA SF2436

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including by modifying the judicial retirement fund, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3203.) Effective date: 06/21/2024, 07/01/2024.

IA SF2331

A bill for an act relating to publication requirements for official publications, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3107.) Effective date: 04/10/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA SF262

A bill for an act relating to consumer data protection, providing civil penalties, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1071.) Effective date: 01/01/2025.

IA HF567

A bill for an act relating to nonsubstantive Code corrections, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 159.) Contingent effective date. Applicability date: 01/01/2022, 01/01/2023.

IA SF2367

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to education data collection and the determination of enrollment, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 3156.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.