1. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the governing body of a school corporation or the chief administrative officer of a nonpublic school system shall authorize the absence and excuse of each school student if the student participates in a scheduled competition, exhibition, or event offered by:

   1. (1) the National FFA Organization;
   2. (2) the Indiana FFA Association; or

   3. (3) a 4-H club;

      for educational purposes as evidenced in writing by the student's parent and as approved in writing by the student's school principal. A student excused from school attendance under this section may not be recorded as being absent on any date for which the excuse is operative and may not be penalized by the school in any manner.

2. (b) The number of excused absences a student may receive under subsection (a) may not exceed six (6) instructional days in a school year.
3. (c) In order for a student to receive an excused absence under subsection (a), the student must be in good academic standing, as determined by the school corporation or nonpublic school.

As added by P.L.97-2025, SEC.2.