LINCOLN- LB568, introduced by Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, would focus on counseling, rather than court, for kids who skip school. The bill would remove truancy as a status offense that requires a trip to juvenile court and instead mandate diversion programs that concentrate on the root issues of absenteeism. Pansing Brooks stated that the current program only contributes to the 'school-to-prison' pipeline. 70% of kids who end up in juvenile court later enter the adult court system.

The measure would create a new position at the State Crime Commission, director of absenteeism prevention and intervention programs that would help develop practices for preventing truancy. Conservative senators questioned if the bill was necessary as juvenile court judges and probation officers have been working on turning around kids' truancy problems.

The bill advanced on a 25-19 vote, the lowest amount of votes needed to pass through first round debate.

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