Policy enacted

(a) A student’s absence due to a student’s pregnancy or parenting needs is an excused absence as provided under this section and for purposed of §18-8-4(a)(1) of this code. (b) The State Board of Education shall develop a written attendance policy for pregnant and parenting students that, at a minimum, meets the requirements of this article. The policy developed under this section shall: (1) Excuse all absences due to pregnancy or parenting-related conditions, including absences for: (A) Labor; (B) Delivery; (C) Recovery; and (D) Prenatal and postnatal medical appointments; (2) Provide at least 8 weeks of excused absences for a mother for the birth of the student’s child, including both natural/vaginal delivery and c-section delivery; (3) Provide excused absences for antenatal care by recommendation of the medical provider; (4) Provide two weeks excused absence for the father of the child; (A) A doctor’s or medical excuse shall be provided up to the initial 8 weeks' absence and a separate excuse for each period of absence after the initial 8 weeks. (B) County boards shall make reasonable efforts to encourage the parent to remain on track for graduation by providing academic support options including, but not limited to, work provided virtually and a homebound instructor for weekly visits to ensure accountability. (5) Provide an excused absence for parenting students whose children are sick: Provided, That they shall provide a doctor’s excuse for that child. (6) The schools shall refer the pregnant and parenting student to a "pregnancy help organization" by providing a list of pregnancy or postpartum assistance organizations within the county and surrounding counties as defined under §16-66-1 of this code.