BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1536
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 1536 (Cardenas)
As Amended May 31, 2001
Majority vote
PUBLIC SAFETY 7-0 APPROPRIATIONS 14-7
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|Ayes:|Washington, La Suer, |Ayes:|Migden, Alquist, Aroner, |
| |Cedillo, Corbett, | |Cedillo, Corbett, Correa, |
| |Dickerson, Keeley, Koretz | |Goldberg, Papan, Pavley, |
| | | |Simitian, Thomson, |
| | | |Wesson, Wiggins, Wright |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | |Nays:|Bates, Ashburn, Daucher, |
| | | |Maldonado, Robert |
| | | |Pacheco, Runner, Zettel |
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SUMMARY : Establishes a truancy court pilot program within Los
Angeles County which sunsets on January 1, 2004. Specifically,
this bill :
1)Creates a pilot program within one division of the juvenile
court in Los Angeles County to hear truancy violations that
will rotate to various location throughout the county.
2)Provides that the truancy court shall have jurisdiction over
the truant and his or her parent(s) or guardian(s).
3)Provides that cases will be referred to the truancy court from
the School Attendance Review Board and the Los Angeles Truancy
Mediation Program.
4)Provides that the truancy court shall be staffed by a district
attorney, public defender, school district liaison, probation
officer, mental health professional, special education expert,
and a case manager who volunteer to work in the truancy court.
5)Provides that Los Angeles Countywide Criminal Justice
Coordinating Council coordinate the pilot program.
6)Repeals the truancy court on January 1, 2004.
AB 1536
Page 2
7)Provides for reimbursement from the State Mandates Claims
Fund.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Provides that any minor who has four or more truancies within
one school year is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile
court and may be judged a ward of the court.
2)Creates the truancy mediation program to assist in the
resolution of juveniles who are habitually absent from school.
FISCAL EFFECT : Allows for reimbursement from the State Mandates
Claims Fund up to $1 million.
COMMENTS : According to the author, "[f]ar too many children
are dropping out of school and entering a life of crime.
Deterring one child from a life of crime saves California $2.3
million."
Please see the policy committee analysis for a detailed
discussion of this bill.
Analysis Prepared by : Fredericka McGee / PUB. S. / (916)
319-3744
FN: 0001391