The bill amends the Education Code to include chronically absent students as a category of students at risk of dropping out of school. Specifically, it adds a new definition for "chronically absent student," which refers to those who are absent for more than 10% of the school operation time allocated for instruction. This inclusion is reflected in the amended Section 29.081(d), where a new subsection (P) is added to the criteria for identifying students at risk of dropping out. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts report data on chronically absent students, disaggregated by various demographic factors, as part of their reporting requirements under Section 48.009.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the data collection process by requiring the Texas Education Agency to aggregate and publicly share information on chronic absenteeism. This includes the total number of chronically absent students at each campus, along with their demographic breakdown, ensuring transparency and accountability in addressing the issue of student absenteeism. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.081, Education Code 48.009 (Education Code 48, Education Code 29)
House Committee Report: Education Code 29.081, Education Code 48.009 (Education Code 48, Education Code 29)
Engrossed: Education Code 29.081, Education Code 48.009 (Education Code 48, Education Code 29)