House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

In 2016 we enacted Act 138, which substantially amended the law regarding truancy, but in my opinion it missed the mark by failing to clarify that valid medical excuses submitted in a timely manner should not be considered unexcused absences. I plan to introduce a bill that changes this. Whether a child gets the flu or suffers from a chronic health condition, a valid medical excuse should be enough to ensure that they aren’t threatened with truancy proceedings. It is not fair to kids and families when they are following a doctor’s advice, and it definitely is not fair to kids and families who are dealing with ongoing major health issues beyond their control. While kids who are sick may miss school, potentially inhibiting their ability to thrive academically and succeed in school, I find it hard to believe that the answer for students with illnesses big and small is to send them to court. Please join me in co-sponsoring this bill that trusts the medical community to know when a student is faking an illness, and when it is the best interest of them and their peers to stay home - and not fear the threat of truancy because of it.
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Introduced as HB1902