School Attendance Amendments

SB 168 modifies Utah's high school graduation requirements to support students experiencing homelessness or involved in the child welfare system (defined as "eligible students"). It requires local schools to award diplomas based solely on state-established standards, prohibits additional local requirements that would delay graduation, and mandates acceptance of partial credits from various sources like mental health programs or prior schools. The bill also protects students during school transfers, ensures academic support plans and counseling, and restricts disciplinary removals for eligible students. These changes aim to remove barriers to graduation for vulnerable youth while requiring schools to track progress and provide targeted resources.