Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 61, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 April 1901 — New Compulsory Law. [ARTICLE]

New Compulsory Law.

Tbe Truant Officers Are Acting Under Sew Rules. The truant officers are now operating under a new Compulsory education law passed by the lsst legislature. Hereafter all children between the 6th and 14th birthday anniversaries will be compelled to attend school during the whole term. The law is changed from that heretofore in force in the following particulars: Previous to enactment of the new law, if it was necessary for a child to make bis own living, if over 12 and under 14 years of age, he was compelled to attend school but 60 days in the year. Now he must attend anyhow. If he shall not be able to do any work and make a living the state will provide for his support. Another change in tbe law is with regard to notification by the truant officer. Heretofore tbe ohild could miss five days of school and the parents be notified. The child could then attend a day and be absent thd same number of days again, Another notice must then be sent and parents could not be prosecuted if the child attended school fcr one day again. Now but one notice need be sent and prosecution will follow on n second offense. The fine is not less than $2 or more than $25, with imprisonment from two to 90 days.