H.B. No. 2847 aims to address truancy and enhance parental accountability for school nonattendance in Texas. The bill amends Article 45A.403 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing courts to dismiss charges against parents for their child's truancy 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 nonattendance. 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 truancy offenses to a Class C misdemeanor and introduces new reporting requirements for school districts regarding student attendance and truancy measures.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section in the Government Code that allows individuals convicted of truancy-related offenses to petition for an order of nondisclosure of their criminal history if they complete a court-approved program. It also requires each county's commissioners court to designate justice courts as truancy courts. The changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, and the law will apply only to offenses committed after the effective date of the act.

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 (Education Code 65, Education Code 25, Subchapter C, Chapter , Education Code 65, Family Code 65)