House bill would hold parents accountable for chronic truancy in Kentucky schools
A new bill addressing chronic truancy among Kentucky students is advancing in Frankfort.
The House education committee discussed House Bill 611 on Tuesday.
The bill would require school officials to file a complaint against a parent or guardian of a child who has missed more than 15 days of school without an excuse.
Supporters of the bill say it isn't intended to get parents and guardians in trouble, rather it aims to hold them accountable.
"Our rates of truancy, our rates of chronic absentee in the states of Kentucky are quite frankly embarrassing, abysmal and we have to do better. I felt compelled to take action to ensure that we get kids into the classroom, where they need to be, setting their life up for success," said Rep. Jared Bauman.
The bill passed out of committee and will head to the full House for consideration.