HB 1801 -- Mandatory School Attendance

Sponsor:  Gatschenberger

This bill requires public schools to notify a student's custodial
parent or guardian if the student has an unexcused absence and to
request a conference with the parent or guardian and the child if
two unexcused absences occur within the same month.  The
conference can be combined with a regularly scheduled
parent-teacher conference if the regular conference takes place
within 30 days of the second unexcused absence.  The school must
take steps to reduce or eliminate the child's absences including
adjusting assignments, providing additional instruction, or
helping the student obtain supplemental services.  A parent or
guardian who fails to enforce school attendance will be guilty of
a class C misdemeanor and will be assessed a fine of up to $25
for each day of the child's unexcused absence.  If a student has
five or more unexcused absences and is a licensed driver, the
school must notify the Department of Revenue and the department
must give notice and an opportunity for the student to show cause
why his or her driver's license should not be suspended.  If the
student fails to show good cause, the department must suspend the
student's license for 30 days for each unexcused absence.  This
provision does not apply to a student who withdraws from school
for a reason beyond his or her control or who transfers to
another school.  Any student whose license is suspended may apply
for a restricted driver's license for certain purposes.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:12 pm