HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                   SB 6570

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.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340)

Background:  The compulsory attendance law requires children at least 8 years old and under 18 years old to attend public school unless the child is receiving home-based instruction, is attending an approved private school, is attending an education center, is excused by the school district, or is 16 years old and is emancipated.  A 6 or 7 year old who has enrolled in public school is also required to attend.

If a child has the responsibility but fails to attend school without justification, the school must take certain actions, including notifying the parent, scheduling a parent conference, and other steps to reduce the child's absences.  If the efforts of the school and the parents do not reduce the child's absences, the school district must file a truancy petition with the juvenile court no later than the seventh unexcused absence in a month or the 10th unexcused absence during a school year.

Juvenile courts hearing truancy petitions may order a truant minor to meet court imposed obligations, including attending school and being tested for use of controlled substances.

Summary of Bill:  Juvenile courts may set minimum school attendance requirements, including the authority to deal with suspensions.  Juvenile courts are granted explicit authority to order a minor, who has tested positive tfor 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.