Kentucky House Bill HB397

Kentucky 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/22
• Refer: 1/28/22
• Refer: 2/3/22
• Report Pass: 2/8/22
• Engrossed: 2/17/22
• Refer: 2/17/22
• Refer: 2/22/22
• Report Pass: 3/10/22
• Enrolled: 3/29/22
• Chaptered: 3/31/22
• Passed: 3/31/22

Caption

AN ACT relating to disaster days for schools impacted by the western Kentucky tornadoes and declaring an emergency.

Impact

The enactment of HB 397 will directly affect the school calendar and administrative requirements for districts heavily impacted by the tornado. By waiving attendance days, it allows schools to adjust their educational plans without the penalty of being unable to meet the statutory requirement of 170 instructional days. Additionally, it ensures that employees who were unable to perform their duties on waived days are nonetheless credited for those days as if they had worked, providing financial stability for school staff during a tumultuous time. This legislation stands as a significant relief measure within Kentucky's broader educational framework.

Summary

House Bill 397 addresses the impact of the devastating tornadoes that occurred in western Kentucky in December 2021 by providing specific provisions for school attendance days lost due to the disaster. The bill allows the Commissioner of Education to waive up to 15 student attendance days for affected school districts, acknowledging the disruption caused by the crisis. The provisions are targeted solely at the 2021-2022 school year and are aimed at easing the operational burden on schools impacted by the disaster, ensuring that educational institutions can continue to function effectively despite the loss of instructional time.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 397 was largely positive. Legislators recognized the importance of this bill in supporting communities coping with the aftermath of the tornado. The swift passage of the bill indicated a consensus on the necessity of providing timely relief to affected schools and ensuring that students could continue their education with minimal interruptions. The emergency declaration attached to the bill further highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the educational needs resulting from the disaster.

Contention

While the bill was generally supported, there may be underlying tensions about the implications of waiving attendance requirements in the context of broader educational standards. Some stakeholders might argue about the precedent this sets for future disaster responses and its impact on student learning outcomes. Nevertheless, given the unique circumstances and the public support for assisting those affected by the tornado, the bill has thus far been embraced as a necessary legislative response.