INDIANAPOLIS (AP): Youths attending the Indiana State Fair to show animals or take part in other learning activities could get excused absences from school under bills advancing in the General Assembly.
 
       The Indiana House Education Committee voted 11-0 on Tuesday in favor of allowing up to five days of excused absences for such events.
 
       Both the Senate and House have this session approved similar bills that come in response to people complaining the earlier starts to school years are making it difficult for some youths to take part in the state fair that begins in early August.
 
       State fair spokesman Andy Klotz tells The Indianapolis Star that many 4-H events have been moved to weekends but numerous students still face problems attending.