6/15/06-The House voted 48-42 June 14 to kill a Senate-approved bill that would have allowed public school districts and private schools to use the incentive tool to keep kids in class. It wouldn’t have applied to people 18 years of age or older.
Sponsored by Sen. Clo Fontenot, R-Livingston, SB284 applied to dropouts and students who miss more than 10 consecutive school days, or 15 total, without an excuse during a semester. Exceptions would have been made for students who must drive to work to support family.

6/7/06-The House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee unanimously approved a bill that would allow public school districts and private schools to use the incentive tool to keep kids in class. It wouldn’t apply to people 18 years of age or older.
Sponsored by Sen. Clo Fontenot, R-Livingston, SB284 would apply to dropouts and students who miss more than 10 consecutive school days, or 15 total, without an excuse during a semester. Exceptions would be made for students who must drive to work to support family.
The bill, which the Senate already approved, has been forwarded to the full House for consideration. If approved there, it would head back to the Senate for approval of changes before going to Gov. Kathleen Blanco.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.