20-A M.R.S. §3272: Truancy; excusable absences

1. Truancy.

2. Truancy. A person is truant if:

A. The person is required to attend school or alternative instruction and has completed grade 6 under this chapter and has the equivalent of 10 full days of unexcused absences or 7 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year;

B. The person is required to attend school or alternative instruction and is at least 6 years of age and has not completed grade 6 under this chapter and has the equivalent of 7 full days of unexcused absences or 5 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year; or

C. The person is required to attend school pursuant to section 3271, subsection 1‑A and has not completed grade 6 and has the equivalent of 7 full days of unexcused absences or 5 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year.

3. Excusable absence. A person's absence is excused when the absence is for the following reasons:

A. Personal health, including the person's physical, mental and behavioral health;

B. An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day;

C. Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day;

D. A family emergency; or

E. A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose that has prior approval.

4. Adult responsibility. Any adults having a person of compulsory school age under their control shall cause the person to attend school as provided in this section.