The bill amends Section 22-12A-12 of the New Mexico Statutes to enhance enforcement provisions aimed at reducing excessive absenteeism in public schools. It establishes that it is a crime for a parent to allow their excessively absent child to continue missing school. Local school boards and governing bodies of charter and private schools are required to report excessively absent students to juvenile probation services for investigation, and the children's court may impose penalties, including the suspension of the student's driving privileges for up to 90 days for a first offense and up to one year for subsequent offenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces specific penalties for parents who fail to ensure their child's attendance. If a parent is found guilty of allowing their excessively absent child to continue missing school, they may face a petty misdemeanor charge, with fines ranging from $50 to $100 for a first conviction and up to $500 or six months of imprisonment for subsequent convictions. The bill aims to hold parents accountable and encourage better attendance among students.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-12A-12