The bill aims to address the mental health needs of students in public schools by amending existing laws related to compulsory attendance. Specifically, it adds "medically diagnosed mental health needs" as a valid reason for a child's absence from school, thereby allowing such absences to be excused under the law. This amendment is made to Section 20-5-103 of the Montana Code Annotated, which outlines the conditions under which a child may be excused from compulsory attendance.

In addition to the insertion regarding mental health needs, the bill also establishes an immediate effective date upon passage and approval. This legislative change reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the educational context and aims to provide support for students facing mental health challenges.

Statutes affected:
HB0334_1.pdf: 20-5-103
HB0334_2.pdf: 20-5-103
Amended: 20-5-103
Introduced: 20-5-103