Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Yap.

Section 1

Sections 202 and 203 are hereby repealed in their entirety.

Section 2

Title 16 of the Yap State Code is hereby amended by enacting a new Section 202 to be read as follows:

“Section 202. Compulsory School Attendance.

(al Every child who is a resident of the State of Yap shall attend a public school or other recognized non-public or private school beginning from the school year in which the child turns five (5) years of age and continuing until the end of the school year in which the child turns eighteen (18) years of age or until the child graduates from high school, whichever comes first, unless otherwise exempted under this chapter.

{bl Attendance in an Earlv Childhood Education (ECE) program shall be compulsory beginning at age five (5) Attendance for children at the age of three (3) or four (4) in an ECE program shall be optional and encouraged, but not required.

(c) A child may be temporarily excused from school under the following circumstances:

(1) Due to illness or health-related conditions, provided that a medical certificate or documentation is submitted from a licensed physician, clinic, or qualified health practitioner;

(2) With the written approval of the school principal, for other reason and justifiable causes including family obligations, travel, cultural obligations, or personal emergencies, provided that such absences do not unduly disrupt the child’s education and are consistent with regulations issued by the Department of Education.

(d) A parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of any child subject to the provisions of this chapter shall ensure that the child attends school regularly and complies with all school regulations regarding attendance.

e) A parent or guardian who fails to comply with subsection (d) shall be subject to civil penalties of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each day of un-excused absence, to be assessed by the Department of Education through administrative procedures. Repeated or willful violations maybe referred to further legal action.”

Section 3

Title 16 of the Yap State Code is hereby amended by enacting a new Section 203 to be read as follows:
“Section 203. Exemptions from Attendance. A child may be exempted from the requirements of Section 203 if:
(1) The child is receiving egui valent instruction in a recognized non-public or private school, or through an

approved home schooling program in accordance with standards established by the Department of Education;
(2) The child is physicallv or mentally unable to attend school, as certified bv a licensed physician or qualified health professional;

(3) Other reasonable circumstances as may be determined by the Director of Education through rule or regulation.”

Section 4

This Act shall take effect upon the approval by the Governor, or upon its becoming law without such approval.