The Northern Marianas House of Representatives has passed an amended bill requiring schools to notify parents within two hours after a child is recorded absent or when they go missing.
The legislation comes nearly months since the disappearance of sisters Faloma and Maleina Luhk on May 25.
By a unanimous 14-0 vote, the House passed Representative Teresita Santos' House Bill 17-200, House Draft 1 or the Faloma and Maleina Parent Notification Act of 2011.
Under the bill, if a child is absent and the school has not been notified, a member of the office staff shall contact the parent or legal guardian "no later than two hours after a child is recorded absent or as soon as possible, whichever comes first."
It says if there is no answer at home, the emergency number of or the parent or legal guardian's place of business or work will be called in an attempt to reach the parent or legal guardian.
The bill now goes to the Senate.
