There are only a few days left in the 2024 Indiana legislative session. Both chambers will recess on March 14, so all proposed legislation must be completed by then. As the deadline approaches, here are some education bills that have been or could be on the governor's desk soon.
SB1 Requiring third-year students who do not pass the IREAD literacy assessment to refrain from enrolling unless they receive an exemption for “good cause,” including situations such as learning English as a second language or having a prior record. become.
As of 2023, of the 7,528 Indiana students who did not pass IREAD, 95%, or 7,118, continued on to fourth grade. Still, the bill faces opposition from those who believe that discouraging student participation will have long-term negative effects.
SB1 will go to the governor's desk after the Senate agrees to the amendment on February 29th.
House Bill 1093 and Senate Bill 146
HB1093 and SB146 both concern youth employment. HB1093 Eliminates some restrictions on the employment of minors, allows minors to work more hours on school nights, and allows those 16 and older to work in “hazardous” agricultural jobs. . SB146 The bill lowers the minimum age for drinking alcohol from 19 to 18, and similar language was previously included in the corresponding housing bill.
The bill was hotly debated. There was support from employers, the Amish community, and those who wanted to bring Indiana law into line with federal law. FAviation Labor Standards Act. There was opposition from unions, advocates and some parents.
Both bills passed both chambers and will now be sent to Holcomb.
The Senate agreed with the amendments added by the House and gave final approval.
SB282 Address student truancy. School intervention is required if a student in kindergarten through sixth grade misses at least five days of school in a 10-week period. Schools will need to meet with parents to develop a plan to address this issue.
However, the bill does not address Indiana's current truancy law, which requires students who miss more than 10 days of school to be reported to juvenile court enforcement officials.
The bill also includes protections for employees accused of baseless misconduct. The provision was added as an amendment by Democratic Rep. Tonya Pfaff and passed with bipartisan support.
SB282 passed the House, but the Senate did not agree to the amendment, leaving the House and Senate to continue negotiating the bill.
