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Bill

HB 1109

Truancy; prohibiting detention for failure to attend school; waiver of certain fines; requiring written notice for certain absences; requiring school districts to create and adopt progressive truancy intervention plans; prohibiting suspension; permitting report of absences to court under certain circumstances; effective date; emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ellen Pogemiller

Oklahoma HB 1109 replaces detention and suspension for truancy with mandatory progressive school-based interventions, prohibiting automatic court reporting of absences.

Referred to Rules
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Bill Summary · HB 1109

Legislative bill overview

HB 1109 reforms Oklahoma's truancy system by prohibiting detention and suspension of students for missing school, requiring school districts to implement progressive intervention plans, and waiving certain fines. The bill allows courts to receive absence reports only under specific circumstances rather than automatically.

Why is this important

Truancy laws have historically criminalized student absences, particularly affecting low-income and marginalized students, creating barriers to re-engagement with school. This bill shifts focus from punitive measures to intervention-based approaches, which research suggests are more effective at improving attendance while keeping students in school rather than in the justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: School districts must create and adopt new progressive intervention plans, requiring resources, staff training, and administrative changes that vary in feasibility across districts
  • Oversight gaps: The bill restricts judicial involvement but doesn't clearly define what "certain circumstances" trigger court reporting, potentially creating inconsistent application
  • Parent accountability: Reducing detention and suspension for student absences may shift responsibility primarily to schools and families without addressing underlying barriers (poverty, transportation, medical needs, housing instability)

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

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