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Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Expanding Excused Absences for Work ... - Illinois.gov

Springfield—Today Governor JB Pritzker signed HB3814 into law, allowing students attending work-based learning events like 4-H and FFA programs to count program participation towards school attendance. The bill advances the administration's work to encourage Illinois students to pursue workforce and career development learning while in school.

"Agriculture is our number one industry, and it's the pride of Illinois. But in order to ensure its prosperous future, we must invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders," said Governor JB Pritzker. "House Bill 3814 will allow students attending agricultural learning events to count that towards their school attendance. These learning opportunities cultivate professional development and responsibility in our youth, and their hands-on experiences ought to count towards their education. This new law is a major win not just for our students—but for the future of our agriculture industry."

FFA and 4-H programs encourage both urban and rural Illinois students to participate in hands-on projects across agricultural, STEM, and business development sectors. Students who participate in work-based programs have been shown to make healthier and safer choices and give back to their communities long-term, fostering a culture of collaboration and hard work at a young age.

This bill amends the Illinois School Code to allow students who miss traditional classroom days for events in work-based learning programs to have those events counted...



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