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 school districts must excuse a student for temporary absences resulting from appointments with health care professionals, which now explicitly includes mental health professionals. Additionally, the provision extends to the student's child if the student returns to school on the same day of the appointment.

This legislation aims to support students' mental health needs by ensuring they can attend necessary appointments without penalty. The bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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