The bill aims to enhance enforcement provisions related to excessive absenteeism in public schools by making it a crime for parents to allow their excessively absent children to continue missing school. It amends Section 22-12A-12 of the New Mexico Statutes to include new provisions that require local school boards and governing bodies of charter and private schools to report excessively absent students to juvenile probation services for investigation. The bill also stipulates that if a student is found to be excessively absent, the children's court may suspend the student's driving privileges for a specified period.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for parents who fail to ensure their children attend school. It establishes that parents can be prosecuted for allowing their excessively absent child to remain absent, with first-time offenders facing fines between $50 and $100 or community service. Subsequent offenses could result in fines up to $500 or imprisonment for up to six months. This legislative change aims to hold parents accountable and encourage better attendance among students.

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