Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Summary: SB 1234 seeks to reduce the exposure of children to the criminal justice system. This bill would clarify that completing a high school equivalency exam prevents an individual from being charged with truancy. This bill would require courts to employ a case manager for juvenile offenders. This bill would make the Class C misdemeanor offense of truancy punishable by a fine not to exceed $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, $300 for a third offense, $400 for a fourth offense, or $500 for a fifth or subsequent offense. This bill would allow a school district to issue a warning letter to the family of the absent child.

Analysis: SB 1234 contains some sensible provisions for dealing with truancy. However, this legislation neither uplifts nor offends our liberty principles. We are neutral on SB 1234.