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:
Neutral. Though the bill does effectively raise the age of compulsory school attendance, the bill’s sponsors have committed to amendments that will exempt homeschoolers from additional reporting requirements.

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