The bill, H.B. No. 5251, amends Section 25.087(b) of the Education Code to allow for excused absences from public school for students attending mental health care appointments. The new legal language specifies that a school district must excuse a student for temporary absences resulting from appointments with health care professionals, which now explicitly includes mental health professionals. This provision applies as long as the student commences classes or returns to school on the same day of the appointment.

The bill is set to take effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, and it will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from all elected members in both houses. If not, the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to support students' mental health needs by ensuring they can attend necessary appointments without penalty to their school attendance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.087 (Education Code 25)