House passes legislation to provide FFA and 4-H students with excused absences from school

Friday, February 14, 2025 at 9:26 AM

By Staff report

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) with Montgomery County 4-H members at the Statehouse.

The Indiana House of Representatives has supported a bill authored by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) to provide students in FFA and 4-H with excused absences to attend certain events offered by the organization during the school year.

"House Bill 1660 is about supporting the next generation of leaders in Indiana," Baird said. "4-H and FFA provide students with invaluable experiences that build leadership, responsibility and real-world skills. By ensuring they can participate in these programs without penalty, we're investing in their growth and the future of our state."

Baird said his bill would ensure that Hoosier students can participate in 4-H and FFA events, up to six times per school year, without being penalized with unexcused absences. Students would have to be in good academic standing for these absences to be excused.

House Bill 1660 passed unanimously out of the House Education Committee before passing the full House. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

To learn more about the bill and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.