What You Need to Know About Kentucky’s New Truancy Law

Last legislative session, the Kentucky Attendance Law was updated. In an effort to combat habitual unexcused absences, state leaders say they are wanting to make sure children are getting the education they need.

Some friends of mine who work in a local school district were talking last year about how attendance has been noticeably different since the COVID pandemic. One of them noted an increased awareness folks are having of their child's mental health and letting them take the day off when feeling bad or stressed. Another thought that it could be kids getting sick, but not sick enough to warrant a doctor visit.

I know for my household, we don't go to the doctor just regular bugs and colds. Unless we have lasting fevers or feel generally miserable, we are hibernating at home to avoid spreading our sickness to others or picking up something else while our immune systems are struggling.

The ultimate goal of this law is to make sure students are thriving on a regular schedule, keeping up with their schoolwork, and getting that social and emotional learning that is so important to success now and later in life.

So, parents and students will avoid any issues with the new law as long as unexcused absences don't exceed 15 days. Any missed days over that will require schools to notify the county attorney for further action.

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Elementary students Kindergarten through 5th grade parents will be held responsible with possible penalties ranging from fines, misdemeanor charges and even jail time. 6th through 12 graders who miss more than 15 days unexcused will enter a diversion period where they must not miss more than four days during that time. If they do, legal action will proceed.