The bill, H.B. No. 2847, aims to address truancy and the responsibilities of parents regarding their children's school attendance in Texas. It amends Article 45A.403 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow courts to dismiss charges against parents for contributing to their child's nonattendance if the court finds it in the interest of justice, particularly if there is a low likelihood of recidivism or sufficient justification for the child's absences. Additionally, the bill mandates that courts must dismiss charges if the parent completes an agreement with the school district regarding their child's attendance. The bill also increases the classification of offenses related to truancy from a fine-only misdemeanor to a Class C misdemeanor, removing specific fine amounts for multiple offenses.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements for school districts to notify parents about the consequences of excessive absences and mandates annual reporting on truancy-related data. It establishes a procedure for parents convicted of truancy-related offenses to petition for an order of nondisclosure of their criminal history if they complete a court-approved program. The changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in addressing truancy while providing mechanisms for dismissal of charges under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.093, Education Code 25.094, Education Code 25.095, Education Code 65.003, Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 65.003, Family Code 65.003, Family Code 65.004 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 65, Education Code 65, Education Code 25, Family Code 65)