New bill targets chronic absenteeism in Florida schools with strict reporting guidelines

CBS 12 | By Gershon Harrell and Dani Travis | February 24, 2025

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A new bill was introduced to the Florida Senate to combat chronic absenteeism in schools.

Senate Bill 938, filed by Senator Stan McClain, states if a student is absent 10% of the time within the first nine weeks of the school year, regardless if the absence is excused or unexcused, the primary teacher must report it.

The bill also states if a student has a total of five absences in a month for unknown reasons, the primary teacher is required to alert the school principal. If the child has been absent for 10 days for unknown reasons within 90 days the primary teacher must alert the principal.

The language in the bill also requires the Florida Board of Education to create guidelines for school districts to follow when it creates policies for dealing with student absences.

The bill is expected to go into effect on July 1, 2025.