Compulsory School Attendance Amendment Act of 2001
Bill 14-261

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A BILL IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Councilmember Kevin P. Chavous introduced the following bill, which was referred to the Committee on Education, Libraries, and Recreation.

To amend An Act To provide for compulsory school attendance, for the taking of a school census in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes, and Title 5 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, to require parents, guardians, and those with custody or control of minors who are already or will become 3 years of age on or by December 31 of the current school year to place these minors in regular attendance in public, independent, private, or parochial schools, or in private instruction.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this act may be cited as the "Compulsory School Attendance Amendment Act of 2001 ".

Sec. 2. Section 1(a) An Act to provide for Compulsory School Attendance, for the taking of a school census in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes, approved February 4, 1925 (43 Stat. 806; D.C. Code §31-402(a)), is amended to read as follows:

"(a) Every parent, guardian, or other person, who resides permanently or temporarily in the District during any school year and who has custody or control of a minor who has reached the age of 3 years or will become 3 years of age on or before December 31st of the current year shall place the minor in regular attendance in a public, independent, private, or parochial school, or in private instruction during the period of each year when the public schools of the District are in session. This obligation of the parent, guardian, or other person having custody extends until the minor reaches the age of 18 years. For the purpose of this section placement in summer school is not required."

Sec. 3. Title 5-DCMR § 2002.18(a) is amended by striking the phrase "five (S) years" and inserting the phrase "three (3) years" in its place.

Sec. 4. Applicability.

This act shall take effect at the beginning of SY 2004-2005 (Fiscal Year 2005).

Sec. 5. Feasibility Study and Pilot Program

In preparation of the new compulsory school age, the District of Columbia Public Schools shall complete a feasibility study of the educational and fiscal impact of enrolling children at the age of 3 years. The study shall include the development of an early childhood curriculum, hours of operation, draft schedule daily and weekly instruction, program offerings, estimated costs of educational materials, supplies, equipment, and facilities and the projected number of students. In SY 2003-2004, the District of Columbia Public Schools shall execute a pilot program regarding the expansion of compulsory school age by enrolling a sample group of 4 year old students.

Sec. 5. Fiscal impact statement.

The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal impact statement required by section 602(c)(3) of the Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Code §1-233(c)(3)).

Sec. 6. Effective date.

This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of a veto by the Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), approval by the Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority as provided in section 203(a) of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995, approved April 17, 1995 (109 Stat. 116; D. C. Code §47-392.3(a)), a 30-day period of Congressional review as provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Code § 1-233(c)(1)), and publication in the District of Columbia Register.