Juvenile truancy provisions revised

Senators gave final approval May 5 to a bill that revises juvenile truancy and excessive absenteeism policies and practices.

LB463, introduced by Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford at the request of the governor, requires that at least half of the Learning Community Coordinating Council operating funds be used for truancy intervention programs that incorporate evidence-based practices pursuant to a plan developed by participating superintendents.

The bill requires that excessive absenteeism policies include a provision indicating how the district and the county attorney will handle cases in which excessive absences are due to documented serious illnesses.

The bill also authorizes the council to administer pilot projects related to truancy initiatives that would share information regarding at-risk youth and will provide a grant program for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Under the bill, inspections of juveniles’ sealed records will be allowed by:
• a person who is the subject of the record;
• the court, city attorney or county attorney for purposes of collection of any remaining parental support or obligations;
• a law enforcement agency if such a person applies for employment with an agency; and
• the state Department of Correctional Services, the Office of Juvenile Services, a juvenile assessment center or a criminal or juvenile detention facility where an individual is committed.

The bill passed on a 46-0 vote.