Ch. 552                                    2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2)      AN ACTION BROUGHT A CHARGE UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL MAY
BE FILED IN CIRCUIT THE JUVENILE COURT AND ASSIGNED TO THE A TRUANCY
DOCKET IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 3-8C-01 FOR DISPOSITION UNDER TITLE 3,
SUBTITLE 8C OF THE COURTS ARTICLE.

(3)      FOR A PERSON WITH LEGAL CUSTODY OR CARE AND CONTROL OF A
CHILD AT THE TIME OF AN ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION, IT IS AN
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE TO A CHARGE UNDER THIS SECTION THAT THE PERSON WHO
HAS LEGAL CUSTODY OR CARE AND CONTROL OF THE CHILD HAS MADE
REASONABLE AND SUBSTANTIAL EFFORTS TO SEE THAT THE CHILD ATTENDS
ATTENDED SCHOOL AS REQUIRED BY LAW BUT IS WAS UNABLE TO CAUSE THE CHILD
TO ATTEND SCHOOL.

(4)      IF THE COURT DETERMINES THAT FINDS THE AFFIRMATIVE
DEFENSE IS VALID, THE COURT SHALL DISMISS THE CHARGES CHARGE UNDER THIS
SECTION AGAINST THE DEFENDANT.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That on or before May 31,
2007, the Circuit Administrative Judge for the First Circuit shall submit a report to
the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article,
that evaluates the Truancy Reduction Pilot Program established under this Act.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act is contingent
on funds being included in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 fiscal year State budget budgets
for the Administrative Office of the Courts/Family Services Program to establish the
Truancy Reduction Pilot Program for the circuit in one or more of the juvenile courts
of in Dorchester County, Somerset County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County. If
the funds are not included in the 2005 State budget for fiscal years 2005, 2006, or
2007, this Act shall be null and void without the necessity of further action by the
General Assembly.

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, subject to the provisions
of Section 3 of this Act, this Act shall take effect July 1, 2004. It shall remain effective
for a period of 3 years and, at the end of June 30, 2007, with no further action
required by the General Assembly, this Act shall be abrogated and of no further force
and effect.

Approved May 26, 2004.

CHAPTER 552
(House Bill 1471)

AN ACT concerning

Dredge Dredged Material Disposal Alternatives Act of 2004

FOR the purpose of establishing a Dredge Dredged Material Disposal Alternatives
Program within the Department of Business and Economic Development;
providing for the purposes, goals, and activities of the Program; requiring the

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