Relating to the inclusion of chronically absent students as students at risk of dropping out of school and the collection and reporting of data regarding those students.

HB 2236 expands the definition of "student at risk of dropping out" in Texas law to include students with chronic absenteeism (missing significant school days). The bill requires school districts to collect and report data on these students to track attendance patterns and identify support needs. This directly affects Texas public schools, students missing substantial school time, and the Texas Education Agency, which will manage the collected data. The policy change focuses on using attendance data to proactively address dropout risks rather than relying solely on academic or demographic factors.