H.B. No. 2947 aims to amend existing laws regarding truancy and the responsibilities of parents in relation to their children's school attendance. The bill introduces new provisions that allow a defendant assessed a fine for truancy to discharge fines through community service at a rate of $100 for every six hours of service, as opposed to the previous rate of $100 for every eight hours. Additionally, if a school district has previously implemented truancy prevention measures and a student continues to engage in truancy, the district can refer the student to truancy court without reapplying those measures. The bill also mandates that school districts submit annual reports detailing truancy statistics and the number of parents facing complaints under truancy laws.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a process for parents convicted of contributing to their child's nonattendance to petition for an order of nondisclosure of their criminal history, allowing them to do so regardless of whether they have paid all fines. The court may grant this petition if it is determined to be in the best interest of justice. The changes in the law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the new attendance reporting requirements will first be submitted by December 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.0915, Education Code 25.093, Government Code 411.074 (Education Code 25, Government Code 411)
House Committee Report: Education Code 25.0915, Education Code 25.093, Government Code 411.074 (Education Code 25, Government Code 411)