KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Parents who allow their children to skip classes could go to jail if a bill introduced by Del. William Ngiraikelau becomes law.
H.B. 6-160 would require children from 8 to 19 years old to attend school. The bill proposes to penalize parents who allow their children not to attend their classes without a good cause.
Under the bill, parents will serve a jail term of not more than 60 days and pay a fine of not more than $1,000.
There is an existing law requiring parents to send their children to school, but it only imposes a $100 fine.
“Any parent, guardian and other person having the responsibility for or care of a child whose attendance at school is obligatory shall send the child to school. Any parent, guardian or other person who permits a child who is under control to be absent from school without good cause and in violation of applicable law or regulations shall be guilty of a violation of this section,” the bill states.
