Title 20-A: EDUCATION

Part 2: SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

Chapter 119: UNORGANIZED TERRITORY

Subchapter 2-A: COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

§3272. Truancy; excusable absences

1.  Truancy. 

[PL 2011, c. 614, §9 (RP).]

2.  Truancy.  A person is truant if:  

A. The person is required to attend school or alternative instruction and has completed grade 6 under this chapter and has the equivalent of 10 full days of unexcused absences or 7 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year;   [PL 2019, c. 235, §3 (AMD).]

B. The person is required to attend school or alternative instruction and is at least 6 years of age and has not completed grade 6 under this chapter and has the equivalent of 7 full days of unexcused absences or 5 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year; or   [PL 2019, c. 508, §4 (AMD).]

C. The person is required to attend school pursuant to section 3271, subsection 1‑A and has not completed grade 6 and has the equivalent of 7 full days of unexcused absences or 5 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year.   [PL 2019, c. 235, §3 (NEW).]

[PL 2019, c. 508, §4 (AMD).]

3.  Excusable absence.  A person's absence is excused when the absence is for the following reasons:  

A. Personal health, including the person's physical, mental and behavioral health;   [PL 2019, c. 562, §1 (AMD).]

B. An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day and the absence has prior approval;   [PL 2007, c. 304, §2 (AMD).]

C. Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day;   [PL 2021, c. 25, §1 (AMD).]

D. A family emergency; or   [PL 1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW).]

E. A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose that has prior approval.   [PL 2007, c. 304, §2 (AMD).]

[PL 2021, c. 25, §1 (AMD).]

4.  Adult responsibility.  Any adults having a person of compulsory school age under their control shall cause the person to attend school as provided in this section.  

[PL 1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 415, §5 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 304, §§1, 2 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 614, §§9, 10 (AMD). RR 2011, c. 2, §17 (COR). PL 2019, c. 235, §3 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 508, §4 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 562, §1 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 25, §1 (AMD).