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. 

 

More from Local News

Events

A Summer of STREAM: Campers Soar Through Pilot Training

A Drone and Aviation Camp was recently hosted at South Ripley High School.

Hoosier Farmers Committed to Soil Conservation

A recent survey shows Indiana farmers planted an estimated 1.6 million acres of overwinter living covers.

Local Student Funds Own Trip to Space Camp

You may have purchased a treat for your dog at Market on the Square.

Former Lawrenceburg Standouts in New College Football Video Game

How cool it must be to be in a video game.

Freudenfest Twister Lauf 5K Supports OA Student Athletes

The 5K takes place on Saturday, July 19.

Lawrenceburg Girls Soccer Wins Team of the Year Award

The Tigers were recognized at the Cincinnati Enquirer High School Sports Awards on Wednesday.

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
George Strait - You Know Me Better Than That

Keith Urban I'm In 13:16
Carly Pearce Every Little Thing 13:09
Brooks & Dunn Rock My World [Little Country Girl] 13:05
Kip Moore Bad Spot 13:02