STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13, 2025) – The Indiana House unanimously passed State Rep. Bob Behning's (R-Indianapolis) bipartisan legislation to reduce chronic absenteeism among Hoosier K-12 students.
About a quarter of Hoosier students miss 10% percent of days in a school year, which meets the definition of chronic absenteeism. Following a review of the topic last year by the Interim Study Committee on Education, Behning authored House Bill 1201 to encourage a less punitive and more proactive approach to the issue.
"Too many Hoosier students continue to miss an unacceptable number of school days, which can lead to a cascade of issues for them later," Behning said. "We need to understand the root causes of this problem so that they can get back on track academically and have the opportunity to thrive."
Under Behning's legislation, schools would focus on intervention and support for chronically absent students rather than suspending or expelling them for attendance issues. One aspect would extend the timeline for schools to meet with these students and their families regarding attendance from five to 10 school days after the student's fifth absence to provide more flexibility.
Another would allow prosecuting attorneys to meet with these families and school officials to understand the underlying issues causing absenteeism before filing affidavits, which is required by state law in these cases. Prosecuting attorneys can include any needed support services, such as mental health and family counseling, to address any underlying causes.
Representatives from the Indiana State Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers of Indiana, the Indiana Association of School Principals and the Indiana School Boards Association testified in support of the bill.
House Bill 1201 now goes to the Senate for consideration. Watch session and committees live, and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
