More parents in Kentucky who fail to get their kids to school will be headed to court under a bill that passed the House Thursday.

Under House Bill 611, if a student has 15 unexcused absences, schools would have to file a complaint against a parent or guardian with the county attorney.

If the student is in a diversion program and misses four days.

A judge gets the case.

The bill only applies to kindergarten through fifth grade.

Critics of the bill say getting more families involved in the court system does more harm than good.

But supporters say the goal isn't to punish parents or guardians, but to make them accountable.

Attendance is the most important factor in a student's academic success, and our schools funding are tied directly to students attendance.

We have to take effective action.

And this bill brings accountability to parents and guardians that allow their children to miss an unacceptable number of days in school.

What I feel like we're doing with this bill is we're attempting to legislate a statewide decision for a system that is actually working very effectively in many local regions with their local discretion.

The losers in this are the kids that aren't going to school.

They have no advantage.

They're not getting fed.

They have no one taking watching them and taking care of them.

I actually am explaining a yes vote.

I think that this is needed.

I trust our school personnel to know the difference between kids who are truly being truant versus kids who truly need help and their families need help.

And I'd be absolutely ashamed of myself if I was a no on that board right now.

Do you have give up on the kids of Kentucky?

I did vote no, and I have not given up on the children of Kentucky.

The bill did pass the House and it now will be sent to the upper chamber for action by the full Senate there and a committee.