An act relating to the elimination of compulsory attendance requirements when incidents of hazing, harassment, or bullying are involved

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Burrows

The bill would allow exemptions from mandatory school attendance for students involved in hazing, harassment, or bullying incidents.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Education

Summary of Bill H 807 (Session: 2025-2026 – Vermont)

Purpose and intent

H 807 seeks to modify Vermont’s compulsory attendance requirements in situations where incidents of hazing, harassment, or bullying are involved. The bill aims to remove or suspend the obligation for students to attend school when their absence is prompted by or connected to hazing, harassment, or bullying, with the goal of addressing safety, well-being, and appropriate handling of such incidents.

Key provisions and changes (as outlined by the bill)

Relief from compulsory attendance in certain cases: The bill provides a mechanism to exempt or excuse a student from mandatory school attendance when they are involved in hazing, harassment, or bullying incidents. This is intended to acknowledge safety concerns and allow for appropriate response without penalizing students who may be affected or involved in investigations.

Conditions and safeguards: While the bill text is not fully detailed here, such measures typically include:

Requirements for districts to establish procedures for documenting incidents and the student’s participation or exposure.
Criteria defining when an absence related to hazing, harassment, or bullying qualifies for exemption from compulsory attendance.
Mechanisms for educators and administrators to coordinate with families, schools, and potentially law enforcement or state agencies.

Reporting and record-keeping: The bill would likely mandate appropriate record-keeping to ensure compliance with attendance exemptions and to monitor the impact on student learning, safety, and welfare.

Who would be affected

Students involved in hazing, harassment, or bullying incidents: They may be excused from compulsory attendance to address safety concerns and allow for appropriate investigation or interventions.

School districts and administrators: Responsible for implementing the exemptions, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with amended attendance requirements.

Families and guardians: Involved in coordinating with schools to navigate attendance exemptions and supporting the student through investigations or interventions.

Education staff: May participate in documenting incidents, enforcing procedures, and ensuring a safe school environment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Current action: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Education on 2026-01-28.

Next steps: Likely consideration and possible amendments by the House Committee on Education, followed by potential committee vote, floor debate, and subsequent readings before becoming law.

Sponsor: Co-sponsor Elizabeth Burrows (in addition to primary sponsors not listed here).

Potential impacts and considerations

Safety and welfare: Aims to reduce punitive pressure on students during hazing, harassment, or bullying investigations and to prioritize safety and mental well-being.

Educational access: Seeks to prevent attendance penalties that could exacerbate trauma or mislabel students during sensitive incidents.

Implementation challenges: Districts would need clear guidelines to determine eligibility for attendance exemptions, avoid misuse, and ensure consistent application across schools.

Note: The full text of H 807 would provide precise statutory language, including eligibility criteria, process, and any limits or sunset provisions. The above reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical policy mechanisms based on the title and summary information available.