Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1022

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to venue for the offense of a parent contributing to a child's failure to attend school.

Impact

By implementing these changes, HB 1022 will affect how truancy cases are prosecuted within Texas' legal system. It intends to simplify the process, providing defined venues based on the population of the county, which could lead to increased efficiency in handling cases of parental neglect regarding school attendance. The specific mention of constitutional county courts, justice courts, and municipal courts reflects an effort to ensure that parents are held accountable in the most relevant judicial settings, thereby enhancing the enforcement of attendance laws.

Summary

House Bill 1022 seeks to amend Section 25.093 of the Education Code in Texas, specifically relating to the venue for offenses involving a parent's contribution to their child's failure to attend school. The bill provides clear guidelines on which court has jurisdiction in such cases, depending on various factors such as the resident county of the parent and the location of the school. This amendment aims to streamline the process for handling truancy cases by designating appropriate courts for filing complaints against parents.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 1022 represents a significant legislative effort to clarify and reinforce laws concerning school attendance and parental responsibilities. By establishing specific venues for legal proceedings, the bill aims to facilitate a more organized response to truancy, signifying a commitment to improving student attendance rates across Texas. Its effective date is outlined as September 1, 2013, and future cases will be adjudicated under these updated regulations.

Contention

While the bill has garnered overwhelming support in the legislature—with a notable voting history indicating no opposition—the implications of this legislation may raise questions among parents regarding the judicial processes involved. The focus on parental accountability in relation to school attendance underscores a societal push against truancy, although there may be concerns about the fairness of prosecuting parents for situations that might involve various personal circumstances affecting a child's ability to attend school.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3931

Relating to truancy and parental contribution to nonattendance of school; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1488

Relating to truancy and the offense of a parent contributing to nonattendance; creating an offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB3917

Relating to dismissal of a complaint alleging a parent contributing to nonattendance on the parent's fulfillment of certain terms.

TX SB1571

Relating to complaints filed by a school district regarding the offense of contributing to truancy by a parent.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB285

Relating to the expulsion of public school students for engaging in conduct that constitutes serious offenses.

TX HB3186

Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.

TX SB1505

Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.

TX HB77

Relating to status offenses committed by a child, including the repeal of the status offense of a child voluntarily running away from home.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.