DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 321 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Simon
Abstract: Authorizes the adoption of policies relative to student attendance at virtual schools.
Present law requires that a student who is habitually absent from or tardy to school be reported to
the family or juvenile court as a truant child.
Present law defines a "virtual school" as a public school, including a charter school, that has a unique
site code assigned by the state Dept. of Education and delivers all or a majority of instruction through
the internet or other electronic medium such that a student is not necessarily required to be at a
specific location in order to receive instruction from a teacher. Proposed law adds the following
relative to defining attendance at virtual schools:
(1)Authorizes each local public school board to adopt a policy defining attendance for purposes
of compliance with present law relative to students who are habitually absent or tardy.
(2)Authorizes each chartering authority to adopt in policy or include in charter agreements a
definition of attendance, which may include provisions for addressing excessive absences,
such as parental notification, student engagement and withdrawal from the school for failure
to engage, and referrals to child welfare and attendance officers and family or juvenile courts.
(Amends R.S. 17:236.3)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill:
1. Add provisions relative to student engagement to the illustrative list of provisions that
a chartering authority may include in policies or charter agreements relative to addressing
excessive absences.