AB 901 – Revises Truancy Law

This bill eliminates the county superintendent’s authority to petition the juvenile court on behalf of a pupil if the district attorney or probation officer did not elect to participate in a truancy mediation program.

This bill also repeals the juvenile court’s authority to consider a minor a ward of the court based on the minor’s habitual refusal to obey the reasonable and proper orders or directions of school authorities.

The bill authorizes the probation officer to contract with certain entities to provide vocational training or skills, counseling and mental health resources, educational supports, and arts, recreation, and other youth development services.

(AB 901 amends Sections 48263, 48267, 48268, and 48269 of the Education Code. It also amends Sections 236, 601, 601.3, 653.5, and 654 of and adds Section 651.5 to the Welfare and Institutions Code.)