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SB 319

Chronic absenteeism.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shelli Yoder

Indiana bill SB 319 addresses chronic student absenteeism in schools; specific policy mechanisms pending committee review and public release of full bill text.

First reading: referred to Committee on Education and Career Development
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Bill Summary · SB 319

Legislative bill overview

SB 319 addresses chronic absenteeism in Indiana schools, though specific provisions are not yet publicly detailed given its early stage in the legislative process. The bill was introduced by Senator Shelli Yoder and referred to the Committee on Education and Career Development on January 13, 2025. As a first reading, the full text and specific policy mechanisms remain to be clarified as the bill moves through committee review.

Why is this important

Chronic absenteeism—typically defined as missing 10% or more of school days—correlates with lower academic achievement, higher dropout rates, and reduced long-term economic outcomes. Indiana, like most states, has grappled with rising absenteeism rates, particularly post-pandemic, making legislative attention to attendance policies a relevant education policy issue. Any statewide approach to this problem could affect school funding formulas, district accountability measures, and intervention strategies.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and enforcement mechanisms: Disagreement may arise over how chronic absenteeism is defined, what consequences students/families face, and whether punitive vs. supportive approaches are emphasized
  • Equity concerns: Critics may argue that attendance-based policies disproportionately affect low-income and minority students facing systemic barriers (transportation, healthcare, housing instability) rather than addressing root causes
  • District burden: Schools may resist unfunded mandates requiring new tracking systems, intervention programs, or reporting requirements without adequate state funding

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

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