Virginia Senate Bill SB619

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

Public elementary and secondary schools; compulsory attendance policies and procedures.

Impact

The impact of SB619 on state laws includes the establishment of stricter enforcement measures related to school attendance. The bill outlines the roles of attendance officers, the process for reporting absences, and the conditions under which a child's prolonged absence may be classified as educational neglect. These measures are intended to protect the educational rights of children and ensure that families are held accountable for their children's school attendance.

Summary

SB619 addresses compulsory attendance policies and procedures for public elementary and secondary schools in Virginia. This legislation seeks to amend existing sections of the Code of Virginia to better frame the roles and responsibilities of school authorities and parents regarding student attendance. The bill emphasizes the importance of consistent attendance in the educational process and aims to establish clearer consequences for students who fail to comply with school attendance laws.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB619, particularly regarding how the state may intervene in parental rights as it pertains to attendance issues. Certain advocacy groups raise concerns about potential overreach by educational authorities, arguing that the measures could disproportionately affect disadvantaged families who may struggle with issues that cause chronic absences, such as economic hardship or health problems. Proponents argue that the legislation prioritizes the educational needs of children and aims to reduce rates of chronic absenteeism in public schools.