SB568 HFAT Ellington 3-8 #1

Kidd 4753

Delegate Ellington moved to amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting therefor a new title, to read as follows:

A BILL to amend and reenact §18-8-2 and §18-8-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; to amend said code by adding thereto a new article, designated §18-34-1, §18-34-2, and §18-34-3; and to amend and reenact §49-4-702 of said code, all relating to student absences; amending criminal penalties imposed for failing to attend school without good cause; defining terms; requiring the State Board to implement a System of Support Plan to encourage and promote compulsory school attendance with implementation to be ensured by the county attendance director; requiring the school to make periodic meaningful contact with parents, guardians, or custodians of children who fail to attend school; removing requirement for attendance director and assistant directors to prepare a report for submission by the county superintendent to the State Superintendent of Schools on school attendance; providing legislative intent for Jaycie's Law; providing that a student’s absence due to a student’s pregnancy or parenting needs is a lawful absence; requiring county boards to develop a written attendance policy for pregnant and parenting students that and sets forth minimum requirements therefore; establishing article effective date; and making referral for the development of a diversion program in truancy offense matters discretionary.

Adopted

Rejected