Sec. 9. 20-A MRSA §5052-A, sub-§3, ķA, as enacted by PL 1989, c. 415, §21, is amended to read:

A. When notified by a principal that a student's attendance is irregular, interviewing the student and the parent or parents or guardian or guardians to determine the cause of the irregular attendance and file filing a written report and recommendations with the principal, including whether legal action or the appointment of a surrogate parent under section 7207-A is appropriate;

Sec. 10. 20-A MRSA §5052-A, sub-§5 is enacted to read:

5.__Superintendent action.__The superintendent shall take necessary action based on the report and recommendations under subsection 3, paragraph A, including ensuring that the student is under the control of an adult and is enrolled in an alternative program or is under school supervision or the supervision of the Department of Human Services.

Sec. 11. 20-A MRSA §5053, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1989, c. 415, §25, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

5.__Disposition.__The court may order one or more of the following upon a violation of subsection 1:

A.__A civil forfeiture not to exceed $1,000;

B.__Appointment of a surrogate parent;

C.__Referral of the student to juvenile corrections officials;

D.__The offender to undergo counseling by a professional selected by the offender, with the court's approval, or by the court.__The counselor shall submit a written evaluation to the court and to the offender; and

E.__Referral of the student to the Department of Human Services, which shall provide for the student within a given time period.