Tennessee Senate Bill SB0417

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 39 and Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to children.

Impact

This legislation is intended to bolster student attendance by restricting withdrawal procedures for students who are already categorized as habitual truants. The implications of this law underscore a significant shift in how truancy is approached within Tennessee's educational system. By limiting when a student can be withdrawn from school, educators hope to encourage consistent attendance and engagement, which is vital for academic success and community welfare.

Summary

SB0417 is an act aimed at amending Tennessee Code Annotated concerning children, particularly focusing on school attendance and truancy. The bill specifies that parents or guardians of students who have accumulated five or more days of unexcused absences during the academic year and are subject to tier three of the local education agency's progressive truancy plan cannot withdraw the student from school under certain conditions. These conditions include changes in the student's residence, enrollment in another school within the local education agency, or transfer to a nonpublic school.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding SB0417 appears mixed. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to address the challenges of absenteeism in schools and underscores the importance of parental responsibility in managing student attendance. Detractors, however, may view this as an overreach into parental rights, asserting that families should have autonomy in educating their children, particularly in circumstances involving personal or family issues that might affect attendance.

Contention

The primary points of contention within the discussions surrounding SB0417 center on the balance between improving student attendance and preserving parental authority. Critics may emphasize that the restrictions placed by this legislation could disproportionately affect families facing challenges, while supporters contend that the measure is a crucial intervention to improve educational outcomes. Ultimately, the debate encapsulates broader themes in education policy regarding responsibility, accountability, and the role of governmental oversight in family matters.