SB 1429 Summary

• Amends 70 O.S. 2011, Section 24-120 to require school districts to notify the Department of Human Services of children absent without valid excuse for more than 20% of the school term.

• Authorizes the Director of the Department of Human Services to withhold assistance payments to the payee of truant children and conduct investigations to improve school attendance.

• Requires the Department of Human Services and State Board of Education to establish a joint database to exchange and maintain information about students subject to truancy provisions, complying with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

• Mandates district attorneys to file reports with the Department of Human Services within 30 days identifying any child convicted of truancy.

• Effective July 1, 2012, with an emergency clause for immediate enactment upon passage and approval.