S.B. No. 207 amends Section 25.087(b) of the Education Code to allow for excused absences from public school for students attending health care appointments, specifically including mental health care appointments. The bill specifies that a school district must excuse a student for a temporary absence resulting from an appointment with health care professionals, including mental health professionals, as long as the student commences classes or returns to school on the same day of the appointment. This addition aims to support students' mental health needs by ensuring they can attend necessary appointments without penalty.

The bill will take effect beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislative change reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health care for students and the need for educational policies that accommodate their health-related needs.

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