CAMDEN – A measure sponsored by Senator Wayne R. Bryant would permit municipalities to adopt ordinances making it unlawful for juveniles to be on public streets, or in any public place during school hours received final legislative approval.
“Students need to know that they have no better option than to be in school during school hours,” said Senator Bryant, D-Camden and Gloucester, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “Most children do not see the full value of an education because their obligations are as limited as their life experiences; we as adults must take a stand and stress the importance of school attendance.”
The bill, S-155, would exempt children who are accompanied by a parent or guardian, and who have written permission from their school to be out during school hours.
“Under current law, towns can choose to impose a curfew between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. While this helps keep juveniles home at night, it cannot combat school truancy. This new measure would help keep kids in the classrooms” said Senator Bryant.
This measure passed the Senate with a vote of 38-0 on February 23.
It now heads to the Governor’s desk, where his signature will make it State law.