This bill establishes clear procedures and requirements for the removal of students from public schools in New Jersey pending a mental health clearance. It defines important terms such as "licensed mental health clinician" and "mental health clearance," which assesses whether a student poses a risk of harm to themselves or others. School districts and approved educational institutions must adopt policies that limit removals to emergency situations, document the reasons for such actions, notify parents or guardians immediately, and ensure that students receive appropriate educational instruction during their removal. The bill also stipulates that families should not incur costs for the mental health clearance, except in specific circumstances, and emphasizes the need for a student's prompt return to school.

Furthermore, the bill requires the State Board of Education to create regulations detailing the criteria for mental health clearances, the maximum duration of student removals, and the necessary actions if a student is found unfit to return. It mandates the collection and publication of annual data on student removals for mental health clearances, ensuring that this information is disaggregated by demographics such as disability status, county, race, gender, and age to protect student privacy. This comprehensive data collection aims to enhance understanding of the impact of mental health issues on students and to inform future educational policies and practices.