CA AB901

Eliminates authority of county superintendents to petition juvenile court for truant or insubordinate pupils and removes requirements that habitually truant pupils be brought to attention of juvenile court and probation officers.

Clarifies that services provided by probation departments to minors not on probation are voluntary and prohibits probation departments from maintaining caseloads, creating mandated probation conditions, or establishing formal contracts with such minors.

Removes juvenile court jurisdiction over minors who habitually refuse to obey school authorities' orders; requires peace officers to refer minors to community-based resources or other agencies before issuing notices to appear.

Requires district attorneys and probation officers to cooperate in determining which entity should operate truancy mediation programs in their counties.

Changes probation officer procedures to allow referral to community services instead of mandatory filing of petitions, and modifies informal probation programs to encourage (rather than require) parental participation in counseling and education programs.