This subtitle applies only: In a county in which the circuit administrative judge has established a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program under § 3–8C–02 of this subtitle; and To the extent that funds are provided in an annual State budget for a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program.

The Circuit Administrative Judge of the First Circuit may establish a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program in one or more of the juvenile courts in Dorchester County, Somerset County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County. The Circuit Administrative Judge of the Second Circuit may establish a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program in the juvenile courts in Kent County and Talbot County. The Circuit Administrative Judge of the Third Circuit may establish a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program in the juvenile court in Harford County. The Circuit Administrative Judge of the Fourth Circuit may establish a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program in the juvenile court in Washington County. The Circuit Administrative Judge of the Sixth Circuit may establish a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program in the juvenile court in Frederick County. The Circuit Administrative Judge of the Seventh Circuit may establish a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program in the juvenile court in Prince George’s County. After consultation with the administrative judges of the first, second, third, fourth, sixth, and seventh circuits, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland may accept a gift or grant to implement the pilot programs in each respective circuit.

A child who is required under § 7–301 of the Education Article to attend school may not fail to do so without lawful excuse. A violation of this section is a Code violation and is a civil offense. Adjudication of a Code violation under this section is not a criminal conviction for any purpose and does not impose any of the civil disabilities ordinarily imposed by a criminal conviction.

An authorized school official may file with the juvenile court a petition alleging a violation of this subtitle.

A petition under this subtitle shall allege that a child who is required to attend school failed to attend school without lawful excuse and shall set forth in clear and simple language the facts supporting the allegation. Whenever a petition is filed under this subtitle the court shall hold an adjudicatory hearing. The rules of evidence under Title 5 of the Maryland Rules shall apply at an adjudicatory hearing under this section. The allegations in a petition under this subtitle shall be proved by a preponderance of the evidence.

Unless a petition filed under this subtitle is dismissed, the court shall hold a separate disposition hearing after the adjudicatory hearing. The court shall hold a disposition hearing on the same day as the adjudicatory hearing unless, on its own motion or motion of a party, the court finds good cause to delay the disposition hearing to a later day. If the court delays a disposition hearing, it shall be held no later than 15 days after the conclusion of the adjudicatory hearing unless good cause is shown. In making a disposition on a petition filed under this subtitle, the court may order the child to: Attend school; Perform community service; Attend counseling, including family counseling; Attend substance abuse evaluation and treatment; Attend mental health evaluation and treatment; or Keep a curfew with the hours set by the court. Cases under this subtitle are eligible for family support services as provided in the Maryland Rules.

A criminal defendant under this subtitle is subject to: Any conditions of probation authorized under § 6–220 of the Criminal Procedure Article; and Any additional condition of probation that would promote the child’s attendance in school.

If a petition is filed under this subtitle in a county other than the county where the child is living or domiciled, the court on its own motion, or on motion of a party, may transfer the proceedings to the county of residence or domicile at any time prior to final termination of jurisdiction. In its discretion, the court to which the case is transferred may take further action. Every document, social history, and record on file with the clerk of the court pertaining to the case shall accompany the transfer.

Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the Maryland Rules govern the format of the petition and the procedures to be followed by the court and the parties under this subtitle.

The court shall retain jurisdiction under this subtitle until every condition of the court’s order is satisfied.

A party may appeal a final judgment entered under this subtitle as provided in Title 12 of this article and in the Maryland Rules.

On or before November 1 of each year, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on each Truancy Reduction Pilot Program established under this subtitle. The report required by subsection (a) of this section shall include: The number of Truancy Reduction Pilot Programs established in the State; The number of participants in each Truancy Reduction Pilot Program; Information on the outcomes of the participants in each Truancy Reduction Pilot Program; and Recommendations to improve the function of current Truancy Reduction Pilot Programs.