HB 3612

AN ACT relating to the filing of a petition for truant conduct.

House Bill • Louderback

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

In Committee

Hearing Scheduled

Passed Committee

Floor Calendar

Passed Chamber

Sent to Other Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Sent to Governor

Signed into Law

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

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Committee

Not yet assigned

Fiscal Note

Not available

What This Bill Does

Requires prosecutors to file a petition with the truancy court for truant conduct, removing their previous discretion to decide whether to file such a petition. The change aims to create a more consistent approach to addressing student truancy by mandating legal action when a student's attendance falls below required standards. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, prosecutors will be obligated to initiate truancy court proceedings for students with excessive unexcused absences.

Subject Areas

Family--Juvenile Delinquency Courts--Prosecuting Attorneys TRUANCY Education--Primary & Secondary--Admission & Attendance

Bill Text

relating to the filing of a petition for truant conduct.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 65.053(b), Family Code, is amended to
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the [The]
prosecutor shall [may, in the prosecutor's discretion, determine
whether to] file a petition with the truancy court requesting an
adjudication of the child for truant conduct. [If the prosecutor
decides not to file a petition requesting an adjudication, the
prosecutor shall inform the truancy court and the school district
SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Bill History

filed

Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the filing of a petition for truant conduct.

Nov 10, 2025

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