Minutes for HB2103 - Committee on Education

Short Title

Including participation in certain learning experiences and agricultural activities as a valid excuse for absence from school and authorizing school boards to make rules therefor.

Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 3, 2025

Hearing on: HB2103 Including participation in certain learning experiences and agricultural activities as a valid excuse for absence from school and authorizing school boards to make rules therefor.

Chairwoman Estes opened the hearing on HB2103 and recognized Jason Long, Senior Assistant Revisor, Office of Revisor of Statutes who presented an overview of the bill concerning education; relating to school attendance; including certain learning experiences and agricultural activities as a valid excuse for absence from schools authorizing school boards to make rules therefor; amending K.S.A. 72-3121 and repealing the existing section. (Attachment 1).

Proponents:

Greg Hadley highlighted the type of activities students participate in, and are asking to be considered as excused absences in this bill. (Attachment 2).

Sarah Maass, Ph.D., Kansas 4-H Youth Development Program Leader, Assistant Professor, Extension responded to a question.

Neutral:

Shannon Kimball explained school district's responsibilities for learning under state standards, how absences are calculated and encouraged the Committee to make one amendment to this bill, which was the definition of learning experience. (Attachment 3).

Proponents continued:

Representative Lisa Moser testified she became involved with this legislation after two young mothers with school age children reached out to her and they started the process to find a solution. (Attachment 4).

Mary McCurry explained why extracurricular and cultural based activities outside the classroom are important in developing the whole person. (Attachment 5), (Attachment 6).

Bryan Schulz testified why this is an essential step toward ensuring students engage in agricultural education. (Attachment 7).

James Fisher testified that education is important to the success of a student, but it has to be multifaceted. Classroom learning is one part, but agricultural science activities is an additional critical component. (Attachment 8).

Kayla Josefiak stated she didn't realize how her livestock project experience prepared her for life lessons about hard work, resilience, and showing up even when it's tough. (Attachment 9).

Written Only testimony was submitted by:

Beth Gaines (Attachment 10).

Priscilla Hoyt (Attachment 11).

Linda Chase (Attachment 12).

Justin Janssen (Attachment 13).

Josie Bosse (Attachment 14).

4 -H ambassadors of Osage County (Attachment 15).

Jory Ratzlaff (Attachment 16).

Shahira Stafford (Attachment 17).

Melody McCurry (Attachment 18).

Trae Green (Attachment 19).

The hearing on HB2103 was closed.