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SF 88

A bill for an act requiring boards of directors of school districts and the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve for civic or political events.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Molly Donahue

SF 88 allows high school students to be excused from school for civic or political events, promoting engagement and requiring them to demonstrate their learning afterward.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Donahue, and Kraayenbrink.
#civics #electionsandpolitics #fees #privateeducation #schoolboards #schooldistricts #schools #students #truancy
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Bill Summary · SF 88

Summary of SF 88: Excused Absences for Civic or Political Events

Bill Number: SF 88
Introduced On: January 22, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Donahue, and Kraayenbrink
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Civics, Elections and Politics, Fees, Private Education, School Boards, School Districts, Schools, Students, Truancy

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 88 is to require public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies that allow students in grades nine through twelve to be excused from school for participation in civic or political events. This initiative aims to encourage civic engagement among high school students by providing them with the opportunity to participate in activities that foster democratic involvement.

Key Provisions

  1. Excused Absence Requirement:

    • Each school district and accredited nonpublic school must grant at least one excused absence per school year to students in grades 9-12 for participation in civic or political events.

  2. Notification Process:

    • Students must notify an administrator of their intent to participate in a civic or political event in advance to receive an excused absence.

  3. Demonstration of Learning:

    • Students are required to demonstrate their knowledge of the civic or political event they attended. This can be done through:
      • A short essay
      • A presentation of information related to the event
      • Any other method determined by the school to effectively represent what the student learned.

  4. Definition of Civic or Political Events:

    • The bill specifies that "civic or political events" include:
      • Voting in an election
      • Serving as a poll worker
      • Participating in a strike
      • Engaging in public comment periods before any public body
      • Attending speeches by candidates for public office
      • Participating in political forums

Impact

  • Students: High school students will have the opportunity to engage in civic activities without the penalty of unexcused absences, promoting active participation in democracy.
  • Schools: School districts and accredited nonpublic schools will need to develop and implement policies to comply with the new requirements, which may involve training staff and informing students about the new procedures.
  • Community: The bill aims to foster a culture of civic engagement among youth, potentially leading to increased voter turnout and participation in democratic processes in the future.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 22, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Education Committee.
  • January 28, 2025: Bill assigned to a subcommittee for further discussion and review.

This summary provides an overview of SF 88, highlighting its intent to promote civic engagement among high school students through structured policies for excused absences related to civic and political participation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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