Roswell proposes charging parents of absentee students

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) - The Roswell City Council is considering a new ordinance that would penalize parents of chronically truant students.

The Roswell Daly Record reports (https://bit.ly/1rqpNDw) that the council will discuss a resolution later this month that would charge parents or guardians with a misdemeanor for “educational neglect.”

Members of the city’s legal committee approved the resolution last week.

According to the resolution, the misdemeanor charge would apply if a child is under age 13 and has more than 10 unexcused absences.

Mayor Dennis Kintigh says an ordinance is necessary because state laws regarding truancy are too convoluted.

Councilor Juan Oropesa says he opposes the idea because it punishes parents who may need assistance.

The council will decide May 12 whether a public hearing should be held on the matter.

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Information from: Roswell Daily Record, https://www.roswell-record.com