KPRC 2 Investigates has found that truancy data reported to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is not proactively monitored, despite a state law requiring school districts to engage in and report truancy prevention efforts.

Lawmakers tried to tackle the problem of truancy and chronic absenteeism in Texas during the last legislative session, but many proposed laws failed to pass. However, one bill is now on Governor Greg Abbott’s desk waiting to be signed.

Chronic absenteeism is a growing concern in Houston's schools, impacting student achievement and school funding.

“We’ve got to get back to where there’s a way to handle truant kids, and part of that is the school districts have to be able to go knock on doors again," Sen. Bettencourt said in a statement.