A bill for an act relating to compulsory education by modifying provisions related to chronic absenteeism and school engagement meetings, and providing penalties.

HF 552 modifies Iowa's compulsory education laws to address chronic absenteeism. It requires public school districts to create policies defining chronic absenteeism (missing 15% or more of school days) and mandating school engagement meetings when students reach this threshold. These meetings involve parents/guardians and schools to develop absenteeism prevention plans, with parents facing penalties for non-attendance - ranging from $100 fines for a first offense to $1,000 for third offenses, or community service - unless they prove reasonable efforts were made. The bill excludes students with individualized education programs (IEPs) affecting attendance from these provisions.