COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE THROUGH 17

House Bill 4030

Sponsor:  Rep. Douglas Geiss

Committee:  Education

Complete to 2-11-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4030 AS INTRODUCED 1-22-09

The bill would amend the Revised School Code to require that parents and guardians send children to school during the entire school year from the age of six until the child's 18th birthday. The change would apply to students after the bill takes effect (a date not specified in the bill).  Until that time the current school-leaving age of 16 would stay in effect. (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 could raise pupil memberships by approximately 30,000 statewide.  At the current per pupil weighted foundation allowance of $7,668, the bill could cost $230.0 million annually.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  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.