And you thought the issue of educational neglect was settled. . .

The implementation of B18-0529, "Safe Children and Safe Neighborhoods Educational Neglect Mandatory Reporting Amendment Act of 2010," may not go off as CMs Wells and Catania had planned.   On September 24, Child and Family Service Agency (CFSA) director Roque Gerald sent a letter to CM Wells suggesting that implementing the bill, in spite of amendments, would potentially create a spending pressure.   The May 2010 fiscal impact statement from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer found

Funds are not sufficient in the FY 2010 through FY 2013 budget and financial plan to implement the provisions of the proposed legislation.   Implementing the legislation is estimated to cost $229,000 in FY 2010 and $8.5 million over the budget and financial plan period.

Further, writes Gerald, the amendments resulted in legislation that is confusing and contrary to the mission of the agency.

The legislation changes reporting requirements for missed school days from 20 to 10.

The City Council anticipates the bill will go into effect February 23, 2011.