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SB 619

Public elementary and secondary schools; compulsory attendance policies and procedures.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Todd Pillion

SB 619 revises Virginia school compulsory attendance enforcement policies, affecting how districts address student absenteeism and potential legal consequences.

Left in Education and Health
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Bill Summary · SB 619

Legislative bill overview

SB 619 modifies Virginia's compulsory school attendance policies and procedures for public elementary and secondary students. The bill adjusts how schools enforce attendance requirements and potentially revises the mechanisms for addressing chronic absenteeism. Specific provisions are not detailed in the publicly available action history, though fiscal impact analysis was requested.

Why is this important

Compulsory attendance laws directly affect student outcomes, school funding (often tied to daily attendance), and family circumstances. Changes to enforcement procedures can impact vulnerable populations, including students facing transportation barriers, health issues, or unstable housing. Schools and families need clear, consistent guidance on obligations and consequences.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement burden and equity: Stricter attendance policies may disproportionately affect low-income families and students with legitimate barriers to attendance, while more lenient policies may reduce accountability
  • Role of schools vs. courts: Disagreement over whether attendance issues should be handled administratively by schools or escalated to legal/judicial processes
  • Chronic absenteeism definitions: Debate over what constitutes problematic absence rates and what triggers intervention versus what counts as excused/legitimate absence

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

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