HB 5375
Truancy Reform Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
The Truancy Reform Act aims to reduce criminal penalties for students regarding truancy and provide additional support to families facing truancy issues. It establishes a pretrial diversion program where parents can avoid conviction if they address the root causes of truancy and maintain school attendance. The bill also mandates delays in sentencing to allow for family preservation services and requires courts to consider offering home-based services to families when a child is subject to truancy charges. Finally, it outlines specific consequences for repeated offenses, including potential school withdrawal.
Key provisions
- Creates a Truancy Pretrial Diversion Program for parents/guardians/custodians of truant children.
- Removes criminal penalties for students who have reached the age of majority.
- Requires delays in sentencing to allow for family preservation services offered by the Department of Human Services.
- Mandates home-based family preservation services when a court is involved in truancy cases.
- Establishes a process for addressing repeated truancy offenses, including potential school withdrawal.
- Defines eligibility for the diversion program and sets requirements for participation.
- Specifies the duration of the sentencing delay period.
- Clarifies the role of the county truancy officer in providing school attendance records.
Who is affected
- Parents
- Guardians
- Custodians
- Students
- School Districts
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker)
Cosponsor
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