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.

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.