Increased Penalties for School Absenteeism Proposed

New legislation is on the table that aims to impose stricter penalties for violations of school attendance requirements. This proposal, spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Christoph Wiederkehr, is currently undergoing review and is set to be finalized by October 31, 2025. The new regulations suggest that the fines for absenteeism will increase significantly starting September 1, 2026.

The proposed fines will rise from the current range of EUR110 to EUR440, elevating it to a new range of EUR150 to EUR1,000. This adjustment is part of a broader legislative framework that also includes mandatory support for students at risk of dropping out, as well as obligatory discussions with parents regarding their children's education.

Parents who refuse to engage in these required measures may face the same heightened fines of EUR150 to EUR1,000. The intent behind these changes is to align the penalties for school attendance violations with those imposed for noncompliance with educational support measures.

Despite the proposed changes in penalties, the existing procedures for addressing school attendance issues will remain unchanged. Initially, teachers and class leaders will take steps to issue warnings or make agreements with students and their guardians to discourage absenteeism. If these interventions do not yield results, or if the student misses three consecutive days, the case will be escalated to the district administrative authority, which is responsible for processing the violation and imposing fines.

Moreover, the two-week alternative sentence for individuals unable to pay their fines will continue to be enforced. This measure aims to ensure that the penalties remain effective and that students are encouraged to maintain regular attendance. The proposed changes reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically.