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 at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, and it requires a two-thirds vote from both houses for immediate effect; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025. The legislation passed unanimously in both the Senate and the House, reflecting a strong bipartisan commitment to addressing mental health care access for students.

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)