COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE THROUGH 17

House Bill 4042

Sponsor:  Rep. LaMar Lemmons, Jr.

Committee:  Education

Complete to 4-10-07

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4042 AS INTRODUCED 1-22-07

The bill would amend the Revised School Code to require, generally speaking, that students attend public school until their 18^th birthday.  Currently, the school-leaving age is 16.

(Current exceptions would be retained; for example, for students who have already graduated from high school and students educated privately or at home.)

MCL 380.1561 and 1596

FISCAL IMPACT:

Raising the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18 would create additional costs for the State and school districts.  If all students actually remain in school until age 18, it would raise pupil memberships by 25,000 to 35,000 statewide.  At the current per pupil weighted average foundation allowance of $7,625, the bill could cost between $190.6 million and $266.9 million annually.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Mary Ann Cleary

                                                                                                                           Bethany Wicksall

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.