HARTLAND, Wis.- Hartland has passed two ordinances giving police new tools to control youths who misbehave.
Parents can now be penalized when they don’t rein in their children. Additionally, teens can now be fined for hosting parties where underage drinking occurs.
Mothers and/or fathers may face a fine of $298 if their children have repeated run-ins with local law enforcement, yet don’t attempt to correct the bad behavior. If a child violates a code or law two times in six months or three times in 12 months, police can issue tickets to the parents.
The ordinance was passed to encourage noncooperative parents to take responsibility for their children’s discipline. There are several ways, however, that parents can avoid paying the penalties: if the mother or father isn’t mentally able to care for the child; if the parent reports the offense; if the parent doesn’t have custody of the child; or if the parent has made reasonable attempts to impose discipline.
Other communities in Wisconsin, such as Milwaukee and Lannon, have passed similar ordinances.
Hartland also passed a measure that would fine minors $424 if they host an underage drinking party or if they allow underage drinking in their cars.
