Committee backs SB170 to create 4-year truancy pilot and shift accountability toward families

The Senate Judiciary Committee reported Senate Bill 170 favorably after sponsors described a pilot program to address truancy through family-focused interventions and accountability.

The bill would establish a four‑year pilot in 10 school districts called the Supporting Opportunities for Accountability and Restoration program. Representative Nemas, who spoke to the bill in committee, said it is intended to hold families accountable and provide supports when children miss school, noting that status offenses are not crimes. "Truancy is one of the clearest, earliest warning signs," he said, and the bill emphasizes family conferences led by court-designated workers and development of family-specific improvement plans.

Section 10 would require data collection to evaluate the program and, as drafted, prohibits secure detention of status offenders under age 14; for youth older than 14 the bill would limit secure detention to seven days unless a court makes written findings that longer detention is necessary. Ashley Clark said 3,446 habitual truancy complaints were filed with CDWs last year, underscoring case volume.

Senators discussed concerns about detention and resources; the committee moved the bill forward by recorded vote. The committee reported SB170 favorably (7 yes votes, 0 passes, 0 no votes) with the committee substitute and recommended it proceed to the full Senate.