Legislation Introduced to Combat Chronic Absenteeism in Georgia Public Schools

Sen. Jason T. Dickerson (R–Canton) introduced Senate Bill 513 to address chronic student absenteeism in Georgia public schools. Also known as the Every Day Counts Act, this legislation defines a chronically unexcused student as one whose total number of unexcused absences exceeds five during the first 50 school days or reaches 10% of the school days that have occurred to date.

SB 513 would also mandate a multi-tiered intervention framework, in which students with the most unexcused absences would receive formal attendance intervention plans to improve academic engagement. Additionally, the bill would more closely tie school attendance to eligibility for extracurricular and interscholastic activities and authorize the Department of Driver Services (DDS) to restrict eligibility for an instruction permit or driver’s license based on the student’s compliance with an attendance intervention plan.

“Consistent school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success and is essential to preparing students for the responsibilities of adulthood,” said Sen. Dickerson. “We owe it to the next generation to set them on the path toward a bright future, and encouraging our students to show up each day is the first step. SB 513 equips schools and parents with structured tools to address unexcused absences early while reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility. By promoting accountability alongside support, we can help ensure our students develop the habits they need to thrive in school and beyond.”

SB 513 continues the work of the Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools and Senate Bill 123, which Governor Brian P. Kemp signed into law in 2025 to comprehensively revise Georgia’s compulsory attendance laws. Sen. Dickerson’s legislation was recently passed out of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth and now awaits further action in the Senate Committee on Rules. More information on the legislation can be found here.