TX HB5507

Converts truant conduct from a civil matter to a Class C misdemeanor criminal offense for children who are required to attend school and fail to attend on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year

Changes the penalty for parents contributing to nonattendance from a graduated fine structure ($100-$500 based on number of offenses) to a standard Class C misdemeanor, and adds a mandatory $20 fine for convictions

Removes the previous weekly 16-hour cap on community service that courts could order for truant children, while maintaining the overall 50-hour maximum

Preserves affirmative defenses for truancy prosecutions, including absences excused by school officials or the court, involuntary absences, and absences due to fleeing abuse

Takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to offenses or conduct occurring on or after that date