House Bill 40: Compulsory School Attendance Age Change

Author:
Representatives Debbie Hammons (D), Pete Illoway (R), and Del McOmie (R), and Senators Jim Anderson (R) and Michael Von Flatern (R)

Summary:
House Bill 40 raises the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 17. It also adds an exception allowing a child to withdraw from school if his parent/guardian meets with a public school official, consents to the withdrawal, and certifies that the child has attended public or private school for at least three years.

Status:

1/14/2008		(House) Prepared for Introduction
2/11/2008		(House) Received for Introduction
2/12/2008		(House) Introduced, Referred to House Education Committee
2/13/2008		(House) Defeated in Education Committee, Vote 5-4

HSLDA’s Position:
Oppose. This bill increases government control over children and further restricts parents’ rights to direct their children’s education and upbringing. It also requires an additional year of reporting for homeschoolers.

Action Requested:
None at this time.

Other Resources

E-lert—February 11, 2008—Wyoming: House Bill 40 O.K. If Amended

E-lert—February 14, 2008—Wyoming: Compulsory Attendance Bill Defeated, 5-4