SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6570

              As Passed Senate, February 12, 2000

Title:  An act relating to judicial authority in truancy petitions.

Brief Description:  Providing additional judicial authority in truancy petitions.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Costa and Long.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/1/2000, 2/3/2000 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/12/2000, 42-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Costa, Vice Chair; Franklin, Kohl-Welles, Long, Sheahan, Stevens and Zarelli.

Staff:  Jinnah Rose-McFadden (786-7444)

Background:  Under Washington's compulsory school attendance law, a truancy petition may be filed against a child for failing to attend school.  Juvenile courts hearing truancy petitions may order a truant minor to meet court imposed obligations listed in RCW 28A.225.090.

Summary of Bill:  The authority granted to juvenile courts hearing truancy petitions is broadened.

Juvenile courts may set minimum school attendance requirements, including the authority to deal with suspensions.  This allows courts to treat school suspensions as unexcused absences.

Juvenile courts are granted explicit authority to order a minor, who has tested positive to drug or alcohol use, to abstain from further use of controlled substances and alcohol.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.

House Amendment(s):  Courts are authorized to order a minor, who tests positive to drug or alcohol use, to abstain from further use of controlled substances and alcohol at no expense to the school.