Governor Signs Bill to Provide FFA, 4-H Students with Excused School Absences

INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) to provide FFA and 4-H students with excused school absences.

The new law now requires both public and private schools to allow students up to six days each school year to travel for events hosted by National FFA, Indiana FFA, or an Indiana 4-H club without being marked absent, or being penalized by the school. That includes traveling to the annual National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis in the fall. 

"Indiana has a rich agricultural history, and this new law allows Hoosier students to fully engage in these programs while maintaining good academic standing," Baird said. "Encouraging students who are interested in agriculture and farming is important to ensure Indiana's continued success in these areas. I'm proud to have authored this law and I'm grateful to Gov. Braun and my colleagues for their support."

Baird said that 4-H and FFA provide students with invaluable experiences that build leadership, responsibility and real-world skills. In fact, over 14,000 students participate in FFA in Indiana, with over 200 chapters statewide. Additionally, 4-H programs can be found in all 92 counties.

State Senator Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) was present at the ceremonial signing of the bill.