H.B. No. 367 amends Section 25.087 of the Education Code to enhance the process for verifying excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses. The bill introduces a new requirement that school districts must adopt a specific form for certification from a physician, which must include details about the student's illness, a statement confirming its seriousness or life-threatening nature, the anticipated period of absence, and a declaration that the illness makes attendance infeasible. This new subsection (g) ensures that districts cannot demand additional documentation beyond what is specified in the adopted form.

The bill mandates that each school district implement the required form as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date, which is set to apply starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to streamline the process for students facing significant health challenges, ensuring they receive the necessary accommodations without undue burden on their families.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.087 (Education Code 25)
House Committee Report: Education Code 25.087 (Education Code 25)
Engrossed: Education Code 25.087 (Education Code 25)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 25.087 (Education Code 25)
Enrolled: Education Code 25.087 (Education Code 25)