Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for June 29, 2006 TRUANCY AND DRIVER'S LICENSE

From PJStar.com...

New law penalizes habitual truancy

SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill Saturday that requires minors to attend school regularly if they want to keep their driver's license or learner's permit. The bill allows the secretary of state to decline to issue or renew driving privileges for a teenager who is a "chronic or habitual truant" - a student who misses 10 percent or more of the previous 180 school days.

"A driver's license is a privilege. And when students start abusing that privilege by skipping school, it becomes a problem," Blagojevich said in a statement. "This bill gives students a strong incentive not to cut class."

The law, which takes effect July 1, requires schools to provide the secretary of state's office with a quarterly list of students who have withdrawn, been expelled, or were certified as truants.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, and Sen. Frank Watson, R-Greenville, will reduce dropout rates and boost school attendance, lawmakers said.

"Students need to know that there are consequences for their actions, and that this privilege will not be extended for those who choose to leave school before graduation," Flider said in a statement.

The bill exempts minors who fail to attend school due to illness, economic or family hardships. Those who are married, legally emancipated or are working toward their GED are also exempT.