PRINTER'S NO. 3349
No. 283 Session of 1986
INTRODUCED BY CESSAR AND BURNS, APRIL 21, 1986
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON RULES, APRIL 22, 1986
A RESOLUTION
1 Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct an
2 in-depth study of the problem of truancy in Pennsylvania.
3 WHEREAS, The problem of truancy from school is one of the
4 most serious social problems in this country today, reaching
5 epidemic proportions in some Pennsylvania communities; and
6 WHEREAS, The problem of truancy is on the increase and it is
7 estimated that more than 25,000,000 "student learning days" are
8 lost as a result of this problem; and
9 WHEREAS, A compelling body of research exists that shows
10 school truancy to be a predictor of antisocial behavior in later
11 life; and
12 WHEREAS, Alternative approaches are needed for dealing more
13 effectively with the chronically truant child and all possible
14 remedies must be explored; and
15 WHEREAS, Because it has been suggested that the increase in
16 truancy is largely the result of Pennsylvania law as it is
17 presently structured, the need for legislative proposals to
1 improve and strengthen existing law is critical; therefore be it
2 RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission conduct
3 a thorough investigation into the problems of truancy; and be it
4 further
5 RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission report
6 its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives
7 as soon as possible.
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