The Oregon State Legislature has introduced Senate Bill 315, aimed at reforming how student absences are recorded and managed across school districts. Ordered by the Senate on April 11, 2025, the bill directs the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to establish best practices and a standardized coding system for tracking student absences.

The primary objective of Senate Bill 315 is to enhance the consistency and accuracy of absence reporting. It mandates the ODE to review current practices, develop recommendations, and create a common coding system that considers the varying sizes and geographic locations of school districts. Additionally, the bill requires districts to report when a student is deemed to have irregular attendance, specifically if they miss more than ten days of school.

A significant aspect of the bill is its timeline; the ODE must submit a comprehensive report by May 31, 2026, detailing the findings from its review, the proposed coding system, and any necessary changes to administrative rules or legislation, including potential funding requirements for implementation. The bill is set to expire on January 2, 2027, unless further action is taken.

While the bill has garnered support for its potential to streamline absence management and improve educational outcomes, it has also sparked discussions regarding the administrative burden it may place on smaller districts. Critics argue that the implementation of a standardized system could be challenging for schools with limited resources.

The implications of Senate Bill 315 extend beyond administrative efficiency; it aims to address chronic absenteeism, which has been linked to poorer academic performance and increased dropout rates. By standardizing how absences are recorded and responded to, the bill seeks to foster a more supportive educational environment for students.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the discussions surrounding the bill, particularly regarding its impact on school operations and student welfare. The outcome of Senate Bill 315 could set a precedent for how educational institutions across Oregon manage student attendance in the future.