| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 1/18/2002 4:34:11 PM Scott A. Woodruff, Esq., Staff Attorney of HSLDA New Hampshire--H.B. 1408 - New Truancy Law Proposed |
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- January 18, 2002 Dear New Hampshire Members and Friends, Kathleen N. Taylor (D-District 11, Strafford County) has introduced House Bill (H.B.) 1408, which threatens to give every city and town broad new power to enact its own truancy law and its own regulations, while providing no accountability to the state. It invites abuse of home school families, and threatens to sweep more families into the social services system. ACTION REQUESTED There are two action Items: 1. Starting immediately, please call members of the House Education Committee (phone numbers below), and express your opposition. You may say something as simple as, "Please vote against H.B. 1408. It gives cities and towns powers that are too broad and carry no accountability." 2. The House Education Committee will hold a hearing on H.B. 1408 Tuesday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. in room 206 of the Legislative Office Building in Concord. Please attend the hearing to show you oppose this bill. Lawmakers are tremendously influenced when they see large groups of people willing to attend a hearing to oppose a bill. It is an opportunity to make democracy work. HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Warren C. Henderson, Chairman (603) 772-4285 Brien L. Ward, Vice Chairman (603) 444-6945 Bruce L. Dearborn, Clerk (603) 431-7299 Gordon B. Flint, Sr. (603) 863-2773 Perley E. Davis (603) 237-4202 John R. M. Alger (603) 786-9562 Russel N. Cox (603) 436-0406 P. Judith Sullivan (603) 356-7872 Sharon M. Carson (603) 437-2887 J.D. Colcord (603) 456-3735 Charles E. Sova (603) 523-4578 Steven J. Winter (603) 763-9743 Stephen R. L. Heureux (603) 668-2708 Charles B. Yeaton (603) 736-9087 Clair A. Snyder (603) 742-4777 Claudette R. Jean (603) 883-3824 Iris W. Estabrook (603) 868-5524 John M. White (603) 624-0974 Claire D. Clarke (603) 796-2268 Debra A. Naro (603) 536-3789 ANALYSIS Current law allows school districts to make "bylaws" concerning truants, and to compel them to attend school. H.B. 1408 takes this power away from individual school districts, but gives every city and town power to make its own unique ordinances regarding truancy. We assume that towns and cities will take full advantage of the new powers this bill would give them. Part of the bill states that violation of such an ordinance would not mean a child was "in need of services" or a "delinquent." Violation could, however, be the basis of a charge of child neglect against the parents. This bill gives authority to towns to adopt ordinances regarding "any pupil enrolled in school." Some towns may understand that this language gives them no power over home school families. Others who think home schooling is their biggest "truancy" problem may feel it gives them a "blank check" to harass home school families. HSLDA'S REASONS FOR OPPOSING HOUSE BILL 1408 1. Towns and cities may use this newfound power to unnecessarily "crack down" on home schooling families. 2. With every town and city passing its own unique ordinances, and with no accountability to the state, there would be an atmosphere of confusion under such a law. 3. It will result in a crazy quilt of laws. Families accustomed to the demands of state law would be bewildered as they move from one town to another and find a different set of demands they must satisfy. 4. Violation of a town's truancy ordinance, however quirky or trivial it might be, could result in parents being charged with child neglect. Thank you for your calls and for attending the upcoming hearing on Tuesday-for standing with us for family and freedom. Sincerely yours, Scott A. 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