Bill > HB432

This bill modifies existing law regarding student absenteeism in New Mexico, creating new legal consequences for parents of excessively absent students. The bill expands enforcement provisions by making it a crime for a parent to allow their child to continue being absent from school after receiving official notifications. Under the new law, if a student is excessively absent, the school must report the case to juvenile probation services, which will investigate whether the student might be considered neglected or in need of family services. The bill introduces specific criminal penalties for parents: first-time offenders can be fined between $50-$100 or ordered to perform community service, while subsequent convictions can result in fines up to $500 and potential imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, the children's court may now suspend a student's driving privileges for up to 90 days on the first finding of excessive absenteeism and up to one year for subsequent findings. The goal of these provisions is to reduce excessive student absences by holding parents legally accountable and providing interventional support for families struggling with school attendance issues.

Education

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=432&year=25