Local State Senator introduces bill to combat chronic absenteeism in Georgia schools

Senate Bill 123 aims to support students, reduce chronic absenteeism, and improve academic success statewide.

ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT)- Georgia Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) has introduced legislation aimed at addressing chronic absenteeism in schools across the state. Senate Bill 123 seeks to provide targeted support for students, ensuring they have the resources needed for academic success.

“For far too long, absenteeism has affected our communities and inhibited Georgia students from reaching their full potential,” Kennedy said. “This legislation will enable local school districts to identify and implement protocols that directly address this issue, get our chronically absent students back in the classroom and ensure they have the necessary resources to build a foundation for future success.”

According to a news release from Kennedy’s office, the number of chronically absent students in Georgia has doubled since 2019. In 2024, 21.7% of students—nearly 360,000—missed 10% or more of their school days. Georgia’s laws on chronic absenteeism have not been updated in 18 years, prompting the push for reform.

SB 123 would prohibit schools from expelling students solely due to absenteeism and require school districts to develop policies and strategies that offer targeted support. The legislation would also mandate the creation of attendance review teams to monitor progress and report their findings to the General Assembly.

“School attendance is crucial to student success,” Kennedy said. “These solutions will create a best approach forward that combats this pressing issue and puts all Georgia students, no matter their zip code, first.”