House Approves Measure to Fight Skipping School

| 3/16/2009

North Dakota lawmakers are supporting new penalties against parents who let their children skip school.

The legislation allows for a fine of up to $500 against parents who allow their children to miss class. Repeat offenders could get 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Tioga Rep. David Rust says parents could avoid the charges if they demonstrate they did what they could to encourage their youngsters to attend school.

State law now allows parents whose children miss school to be charged with felony educational neglect. But prosecutors are reluctant to charge parents with a felony.

Representatives approved the measure 75-18. The North Dakota Senate has already endorsed the idea, and it now goes to Gov. John Hoeven.

The bill is SB2217.

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