The bill, S.B. No. 991, aims to expand the definition of "students at risk of dropping out of school" to include chronically absent and truant students. Specifically, it introduces new criteria under Section 29.081(d) of the Education Code, adding that a student is considered at risk if they are identified as a "chronically absent student" or if they fail to attend school without excuse for 10 or more days within a six-month period. This change is intended to enhance the identification and support of students who may be at risk of dropping out due to attendance issues.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 48.009 of the Education Code to define "chronically absent student" and mandates that school districts report data on these students, including their numbers and the interventions applied. The bill requires the Texas Education Agency to aggregate and publicly share this data annually, thereby increasing transparency and accountability regarding student attendance and dropout rates. The provisions of this act 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)