Plain English Breakdown
The official text does not specify if advance notice (verbal or otherwise) is required, only removing written and approval requirements.
Excused Absences for Religious Observance
This law makes observing a religious holiday or ceremony an automatically excused absence without needing written requests from parents or approval from school principals.
What This Bill Does
- Makes observing a religious holiday or ceremony a required type of excused absence.
- Removes the rule that parents must send a written request for these absences.
- Removes the rule that principals must approve these specific requests in writing.
Who It Names or Affects
- Students who observe religious holidays or ceremonies.
- Parents and guardians of students taking time off for religion.
- School principals and designated representatives.
- Local school districts if the state determines there are new costs to cover.
Terms To Know
- Excused absence
- A day a student misses school but is not punished because the reason meets legal rules.
- State-mandated local program
- A new rule from the state that requires schools to do something, which may cost them money and require reimbursement if approved by officials.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not say if students must tell teachers in advance before missing class.
- It is unclear how many days a student can miss for religious reasons under this new rule.
- Reimbursement to schools depends on whether the Commission on State Mandates finds extra costs.