D.C. Bill to Crack Down on Absences

The D.C. Council is taking up a bill that seeks to make parents more accountable for children who miss too much school.
 
Councilmember David Catania says the bill is an important step toward cracking down on rampant truancy in District of Columbia public schools.
 
The bill would call for police to send a letter to parents after a child has 10 unexcused absences. The letter would inform parents that they could face criminal prosecution if their children keep missing school.
 
If an older child misses 15 days, the case would be referred to the attorney general's office and court social services.
 
The bill was approved unanimously by the council's education committee and is expected to pass easily. It will come up for a vote during Tuesday's legislative meeting.