Young Hoosiers involved in agriculture are receiving support through new legislation signed by Governor Mike Braun. The law, authored by State Representative Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), allows Indiana students to receive up to six excused school absences per year for participating in FFA and 4-H activities, according to the Indiana House Republicans.
House Enrolled Act 1660 requires students to maintain good academic standing to qualify for these absences. Rep. Baird, a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, stated that the legislation is intended to help students engage in agricultural programs while staying on track academically.
Indiana has over 14,000 students involved in FFA and 4-H, with programs present in all 92 counties. The new law is designed to accommodate these students' participation in agriculture-related events without impacting their education. Similar policies have been introduced in other states as well.
