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HB 125

Regards excused school absences for 4-H and FFA programs

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rodney Creech and 10 co-sponsors

Ohio bill excuses student absences for 4-H and FFA program participation, promoting agricultural youth education without penalty to attendance records.

Passed
#education #primaryandsecondaryeducation
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Bill Summary · HB 125

Legislative bill overview

HB 125 would allow Ohio school districts to excuse student absences when students participate in 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) program activities. The bill enables schools to treat time spent at official 4-H and FFA events as authorized absences rather than unexcused absences, similar to how many states handle absences for other extracurricular activities.

Why is this important

Agricultural youth programs like 4-H and FFA provide hands-on education in STEM, leadership, and farming practices that complement classroom learning. By allowing excused absences, the bill removes a barrier that might discourage rural and agricultural students from fully participating in these development programs, which could improve enrollment and participation rates in youth agriculture education.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope concerns: The bill's definition of qualifying "4-H and FFA programs" and activities isn't detailed in the summary—unclear whether this covers any event or only state/regional competitions and conferences.
  • Attendance policy precedent: Allows excused absences for these programs specifically, which may raise questions about equal treatment of other extracurricular activities (sports, arts, academic competitions) that could seek similar treatment.
  • Implementation burden: School districts must verify participation and track excused absences for these programs, creating administrative work without specified state funding support.

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

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