THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 6, 1995 TAG: 9505060274
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: THE WASHINGTON POST
DATELINE: RICHMOND, VA. LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
Under a new law signed Friday by Gov. George F. Allen, Virginia parents could be hauled into court to face stiff fines if they fail to help schools discipline their children.The law makes the state part of a nationwide movement to hold parents more accountable for the behavior of their sons and daughters.
Starting in the fall, parents of every public elementary and secondary school student will be required to sign and return a copy of school rules or face civil fines of as much as $50. The law also allows judges to order recalcitrant parents to meet with administrators about students' disciplinary problems.
Parents of students who are suspended will be sent notices outlining their obligations to help improve their children's behavior. If the parents fail to meet with school officials, they can be fined as much as $500.
``If parents don't try, then there are penalties, and I don't think that's unfair,'' said Del. Marian Van Landingham, D-Alexandria, who sponsored the legislation. ``When you get real parent involvement, it makes a huge difference.''
In a year of partisan discord in Richmond, the plan was one of the few major pieces of legislation to draw support from both parties. MEMO: OTHER ACTION BY THE GOVERNOR
Major bills vetoed Friday by Gov. George Allen:
ABORTION CLINIC ACCESS - Measure would have increased the penalties
for a second or subsequent conviction of blocking access to a
health-care facility. The bill was aimed at curbing abortion-clinic
disturbances.
MOTOR VOTER - Legislation would have brought Virginia into
compliance with federal motor voter legislation, which allows voter
registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles, welfare and
unemployment offices, military recruiting stations, and by mail.
GOVERNOR'S MANSION - Bill would have created a check-off on state
income tax forms as a means of voluntarily funding contributions for the
renovation of the Governor's Mansion. Allen said private contributions
are a more appropriate way to fund any renovations.
Major bills signed by Allen:
CONCEALED WEAPONS - Bill would, in effect, require judges to issue
concealed-weapons permits to virtually any law-abiding adult who
applies.
COMPUTER PORN - Bill expands the child pornography law to make its
electronic transmission illegal.
KEYWORDS: VETO LEGISLATION SCHOOL DISCIPLINE PARENTS
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