Harrisburg, May 24, 2011 – Senator Judith L. Schwank applauded Senate approval today of truants legislation that was initiated by the late Senator Michael A. O’Pake.
“This was one of the last bills that Mike authored in his career,” Senator Schwank said. “I’m very happy that one of my earliest votes as his successor allowed me to successfully support its passage.
“It’s kind of a symbolic bridge, but it’s one that will offer real hope for people. I believe he would have appreciated that as much as I do.”
The legislation will allow persons whose driving privileges were suspended for truancy to regain them by returning to school and graduating, obtaining a G.E.D. diploma, or when they turn 21. Costs and fines related to the suspensions would need to be paid to regain driving privileges.
O’Pake drafted the legislation in his last term, at the request of Berks County court and school officials who said the six-month license suspension in Pennsylvania for violating mandatory school attendance laws means chronic truants often have suspensions for years after they graduate or clearly will not return to school.
As a result, they said, the suspensions are counter-productive and cause problems finding and keeping work, and contribute to other needless complications.
After O’Pake died on December 27, the bill was re-introduced on his behalf for the 2011-2012 legislative session by Senator Andy Dinniman (D-Chester).
“Senator O’Pake was a good friend and a great public servant, and I was honored to take over sponsorship of what turned out to be one of his last public policy initiatives in a long and distinguished career,” Dinniman said. “I now look forward to House members approving this bill and the governor signing it.”
The legislation now will go to the House of Representatives for its approval.
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