Education Amendment Act, 1997

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The proposed amendment is intended to clarify the law with respect to children who are habitually absent from school. Provision is made for a review process, to be governed by the regulations, prior to taking court proceedings.

Bill 1241997

An Act to amend the Education Act

respecting school attendance

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

1. Subsection 30 (5) of the Education Act is repealed and the following substituted:

Habitually absent from school

(5) A child who is required by law to attend school and who refuses to attend or who is habitually absent from school is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to any of the penalties set out in Part VI of the Provincial Offences Act.

Prior review

(5.1) Before any proceeding is taken with respect to an offence under subsection (5), a board shall institute a complete review of the issues relating to a child's absences from school in accordance with the regulations.

Regulations

(5.2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations respecting reviews under subsection (5.1).

Commencement

2. This Act comes into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.

Short title

3. The short title of this Act is the Education Amendment Act, 1997.