NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 781 proposes to raise the age from 16 to 17, at which a student may be legally excused from the Compulsory School Attendance Act in order to pursue employment or an alternative form of education, with parental consent and local district approval.

Significant Issues

The dropout data for students grade9-12 (1998-1999) indicates that 2.9% (196) of dropouts left school in order to work and 12.9% (873) of dropout indicated they intended to take the GED. The data does not indicate the number of these students who were formally excused from Compulsory School Attendance pursuant to Section 2-12-2.

According to SDE, School that attempt to follow the enforcement provisions of the Compulsory School Attendance Act in Section 22-12-7 express concern that districts courts do not follow through with the penalties specified in law. The courts acknowledge that prosecution of truancy violations is a low priority due to heavy caseloads involving more serious violations of law.

The New Mexico's Children's Code also includes provisions for intervening with students and their families in cases of truancy. However, the Children Youth and Families Department does not consistently follow the processes outlined in law due to lack of sufficient resources.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

House Bill 781 does not contain an appropriation.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

HB 36/a and SB674

RS/ar