2010 Maine Code
TITLE 20-A: EDUCATION
Chapter 119: UNORGANIZED TERRITORY
20-A §3272. Truancy; excusable absences

Part 2: SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

Subchapter 2-A: COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

§3272. Truancy; excusable absences

1. Truancy. A person required to attend school or alternative instruction under this chapter is truant when an absence of 1/2 day is not excused.

[ 1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW) .]

2. Habitual truancy. A person is habitually truant if:

A. The person is required to attend school or alternative instruction and has completed grade 6 under this chapter and has the equivalent of 10 full days of unexcused absences or 7 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year; or [2007, c. 304, §1 (NEW).]

B. The person is required to attend school or alternative instruction and is at least 7 years of age and has not completed grade 6 under this chapter and has the equivalent of 7 full days of unexcused absences or 5 consecutive school days of unexecused absences during a school year. [2007, c. 304, §1 (NEW).]

[ 2007, c. 304, §1 (RPR) .]

3. Excusable absence. A person's absence is excused when the absence is for the following reasons:

A. Personal illness; [1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW).]

B. An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day and the absence has prior approval; [2007, c. 304, §2 (AMD).]

C. Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day and the absence has prior approval; [2007, c. 304, §2 (AMD).]

D. A family emergency; or [1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW).]

E. A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose that has prior approval. [2007, c. 304, §2 (AMD).]

[ 2007, c. 304, §2 (AMD) .]

4. Adult responsibility. Any adults having a person of compulsory school age under their control shall cause the person to attend school as provided in this section.

[ 1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW) .]

SECTION HISTORY

1985, c. 490, §8 (NEW). 1989, c. 415, §5 (AMD). 2007, c. 304, §§1, 2 (AMD).