Relating to the number of unexcused absences from school that constitute truant conduct or parental contribution to nonattendance of school and a school district's discretion to refer a student to truancy court.

HB 3613 changes Texas school attendance rules by lowering the threshold for truancy from 10 unexcused absences in six months to 3 unexcused absences (or parts of days) within a four-week period. It requires school districts to notify parents after a student reaches this 3-absence threshold and to schedule a conference to discuss attendance. The bill allows districts to refer students to truancy court for this level of absence but gives them discretion to delay or avoid referrals if truancy prevention efforts are working and in the student’s best interest. The changes take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and directly affect students, parents, and school districts.