New law addresses chronic school absenteeism

Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 3:15 PM

By Paul Gable

When students return back to the classrooms, they will be welcomed back by a new Indiana law aimed at tackling chronic absenteeism.

Senate Enrolled Act 482 went into effect July 1 and looks to address how schools report student absences to the Indiana Department of Education, as well as requires the state department of education to publish clearer statewide definitions and guidance for monitoring student participation, as well as offering up best practices for local districts.

Under the new law, chronic absenteeism is now defined as missing at least 10 percent of instructional days in a 180 day school year for any reason, whether the absence was excused or not. Should a student miss at least 20 days due to a medical condition or an injury, the law requires the school to provide instruction only after a parent submits documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.

Furthermore, the new law allows local prosecutors to hold intervention meetings with parents to help improve attendance before filing charges.