SB 105 — ATTENDANCE FOR SUCCESS & EXCUSED ABSENCES

Bill Text

• Introduced introduced version Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill clarifies and expands the definitions of excused absences under the Attendance for Success Act, adds guidance for the Public Education Department, and enhances the provisions for accommodating students with disabilities and pregnant or parenting students.

• Section 22-12A-2

  [J. "medical absence" or "medically absent" means that a student is not in attendance for a class or a school day for a parent- or doctor-authorized medical reason or the student is a pregnant or parenting student;]

  Removes the specific definition of 'medical absence' from the definitions in the Attendance for Success Act.

• Section 22-12A-2

  including an absence for a death in the family, medical reasons, religious instruction or tribal obligations

  Adds clarification that excused absences also include those allowed under an individualized education program and certain accommodations.

• Section 22-12A-9

  [A student may be [excused for parent- or doctor-authorized] absent from school for medical reasons, including medical appointments or illness; provided that the student's absence is authorized by a medical provider or the student's parent.] → A student may be absent from school for medical reasons, including medical appointments or illness; provided that the student's absence is authorized by a medical provider or the student's parent.

  Clarifies the language regarding medical absences to streamline the provisions.

• Section 22-12A-9

  [A public school shall provide time for the student to make up the school work missed during the absence.]

  Removes the requirement for public schools to specify make-up work for absences.

• Section 22-12A-9

  [The public school shall provide time for the student to make up the school work missed during the absence.]

  Removes the specific requirement for public schools on providing make-up time for absences related to religious instruction.

• Section 22-12A-9

  [The public school shall provide time for the student to make up the school work missed during the absence.]

  Removes the specific requirement for public schools on providing make-up time for absences related to tribal obligations.

• Section 22-12A-9

  A student who is a child with a disability, pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, may be absent from school as provided in the student's individualized education program.

  Establishes explicit provisions for absences due to individualized education programs for students with disabilities.

• Section 22-12A-9

  A student may otherwise be absent from school if the absence is supported by an accommodation made pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or the Human Rights Act.

  Adds provisions for other lawful accommodations for school absences.

• Section 22-12A-4

  The department shall develop and publish written guidance for school districts on how to implement the Attendance for Success Act, including guidance on allowable absences provided for in Section 22-12A-9 NMSA 1978. → The department shall develop and publish written guidance on how to implement the Attendance for Success Act.

  Simplifies the requirement for guidance publication regarding implementation of the Attendance for Success Act.

Action History

1. March 24, 2026

   action postponed indefinitely

2. January 23, 2026

   Sent to Senate Committees' Committee & Senate Education Committee & Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee

Sponsors

• Harold Pope · Primary

Subjects