Bill > HB2947

This bill introduces several changes to Texas laws related to truancy and parental responsibilities for student attendance. It modifies how community service can be used to discharge fines for truancy-related offenses, allowing parents to clear $100 in fines for every six hours of community service when the offense is specifically related to a child's nonattendance. The bill also provides more flexibility for school districts in addressing student truancy, allowing them to refer a student to truancy court in a subsequent school year without re-implementing prevention measures if previous measures failed. Additionally, the bill reduces the complexity of fines for parental nonattendance, replacing a tiered fine structure with a flat maximum fine of $100. The legislation introduces a requirement for school districts to submit annual attendance reports detailing truancy numbers and prevention efforts. Importantly, the bill also provides a mechanism for parents to have truancy-related criminal records sealed (nondisclosure) under certain conditions, such as when the child reaches 21, graduates, or enlists in the military. These provisions aim to balance accountability for school attendance with opportunities for parents to resolve truancy issues without long-lasting legal consequences. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with some provisions specifically applying to the 2025-2026 school year.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2947