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WV HB5375
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/9/2026
Primary Sponsor
Roger Hanshaw
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a truancy pretrial diversion program allowing parents, guardians, and custodians charged with first-offense truancy violations to avoid conviction by remedying their child's truancy within 6-18 months
- Removes criminal penalties for students aged 18 and older who fail to attend school, eliminating fines and potential jail time for adult students
- Requires delayed sentencing of at least 90 days after a guilty plea, during which defendants must ensure their children maintain good school attendance
- Authorizes magistrate and circuit court judges to order the Department of Human Services to provide home-based family preservation services to address underlying causes of truancy such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or undiagnosed learning disorders
- Reduces fines to $5-$50 (from $50-$100) for defendants who substantially comply with the 90-day delay requirements, and allows dismissal of charges if children maintain perfect attendance during that period
Legislative Description
Truancy Reform Act
Governor -- Bills Requested By
Last Action
To House Judiciary
2/9/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/9/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available