This bill establishes procedures for the removal of students from public schools in New Jersey for mental health clearance, defining "mental health clearance" as an assessment by a licensed mental health clinician to evaluate potential risks of harm to the student or others. It mandates that school districts and approved private schools implement policies to ensure that such removals occur only in emergencies involving immediate physical danger. Key provisions include the documentation of removals, prompt notification of parents or guardians, provision of educational instruction during the removal period, and the stipulation that families should not incur costs for the mental health clearance, except in specific situations.

Furthermore, the bill requires the State Board of Education to create regulations detailing the criteria for mental health clearance, limitations on removals, and the maximum duration of student removals. It also calls for a statewide list of licensed mental health clinicians, allowing parents to select clinicians not on the list at their own expense. The Department of Education is tasked with collecting and publishing annual data on student removals for mental health clearance, ensuring that the data is disaggregated by various categories such as disability status, race, gender, and age, while also safeguarding student privacy. This comprehensive data collection aims to enhance understanding of the impact of mental health issues on students and guide future policy decisions.