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Vernon County adopts ordinance mirroring state law on contributing to truancy
Summary
The county approved a local ordinance modeled on the state "contributing to truancy" statute, creating a noncriminal enforcement path with forfeitures and leaving criminal prosecution under the state law as an option for severe cases.
Vernon County's General Government Committee approved a county ordinance that mirrors the state "contributing to truancy" statute and creates a noncriminal enforcement option intended to encourage school attendance.
The ordinance allows county officers or school officials to issue a county citation with a forfeiture range rather than requiring the District Attorney to pursue a criminal complaint under the state statute, county officials said. The committee discussed keeping the criminal option available for the worst cases while giving schools and law enforcement a simpler tool to prompt compliance.
Why it matters: Supporters said the county ordinance reduces the procedural burden on prosecutors and offers a graduated enforcement tool—warning and citation—designed to secure attendance without immediate criminal charges. County speakers said the aim is compliance, not punishment.
District attorney's office representatives and county staff described the measure as largely mirroring the state statute's definitions while clarifying local enforcement and forfeiture ranges. The county's forfeiture framework is written with a range so officers and courts can apply lower penalties for first offenses and higher amounts for habitual violations, the DA's representative said. The committee heard that forfeitures could be a few hundred dollars up to the higher amounts enumerated in the draft ordinance; the committee did not adopt a detailed tier schedule during the meeting.
Committee members and the sheriff's office supported the change as a practical tool. The sheriff's office representative said deputies often work with schools to transport students and attempt to secure compliance before pursuing enforcement. Committee members asked whether the ordinance would apply to parents, students, or third parties who knowingly contribute to nonattendance; speakers said the language mirrors the state law and can apply to an individual 17 or older or to anyone who knowingly contributes to truancy. Officials also stressed that the state criminal statute remains available for severe or persistent cases.
The ordinance passed after a motion and voice vote; the minutes record the committee approving the draft and directing staff to move forward.
The committee asked staff to monitor implementation and return with any recommended clarifications, including enforcement practice guidance for schools and law enforcement.
