DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Senate passed through a bill unanimously that would change some issues discovered in a statewide chronic absenteeism policy passed last year.

In the 2023-24 school year, almost 22% of students in public schools were chronically absent, which means missing 20% of a grading period.

By a vote of 47-0, state senators approved a bill that requires the Iowa Department of Education to consult with the Iowa County Attorneys Association to set a standard model policy that county attorneys can reference when filing truancy charges. It also adds exemptions to what is an excused attendance in school, including military programs, and travel to a wedding or a funeral.

“I’m just going to say that this bill was horrible,” said State Senator Mike Zimmer. “$10 a pop for certified mailing, talk about an unfunded mandate. It was huge, absolutely devasting. The amount of time central office personnel and building principals and building support staff are spending on trying to determine this bill. I will just say thank you for, and I will vote positive for moving this bill forward as it’s one step in making a bill better.”

It removes the requirement for districts to send a letter by certified mail to a student’s parent or guardian when a student becomes chronically absent. And lastly, it gives schools more flexibility when a meeting is needed between a parent and school staff.

“The Des Moines Public Schools reported in December that they saw 51 other schools experience a decline in absenteeism, and 11 of those declined by at least 10%,” said State Senator Lynn Evans (R), District 3 from Aurelia. “I think this makes reasonable adjustments to what was passed last year and it’s all based on feedback we’ve heard from school districts, parents and community members and school board members.”

The bill now needs to clear through the Iowa House education subcommittee and committee level to be protected from the next legislative deadline on April 4.

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