HB4656

Relating to chronic absenteeism

Chamber Passed·2/24/26

West Virginia HB4656 addresses chronic absenteeism by removing truancy as a status offense and shifting focus to preventative measures.

West Virginia HB4656 amends compulsory school attendance laws to remove truancy as a status offense and shift focus to preventative measures for chronic absenteeism. Effective July 1, 2026, truancy is no longer a status offense, and jurisdiction over chronically absent juveniles will continue as a child in need of supervision. The bill also clarifies the court's role in monitoring prepetition diversion programs and allows for the referral of chronically absent students to noncustodial counseling or community services.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 96–0 · Feb 24
Current
The Senate
Next
Senate floor vote

Sponsors

0
10
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Passed House (Roll No. 171)

96 Yea

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0 Nay

4 Absent

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Calendar

Mar 12

10:30 AM

Senate Education Committee Meeting

Mar 11

10:00 AM

Senate Education Committee Meeting

History

Mar 11

Senate

Without recommendation, but first rereferred to Education then Finance

Mar 11

Senate

Immediate consideration

Mar 11

Senate

Read 1st time