Truants Now Will Pay in Cash or Time
From Times Wire Reports
Fresno children who play hooky are going to have to pay the price in cash or community service.
The City Council on Tuesday passed what some call a daytime curfew aimed at keeping children in school by penalizing truants.
Supporters say it will reduce truancy and juvenile crime. Opponents say it will criminalize a social problem and could lead to racial profiling.
Those who skip school twice face a $100 fine or up to 40 hours of community service. The measure takes effect in a month, and will be reviewed in 2 1/2 years.
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