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, explicitly including mental health professionals, as long as the student returns to school on the same day of the appointment. This addition aims to recognize the importance of mental health care and ensure that students 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. If not, the bill will become effective on September 1, 2025. This legislative change reflects a growing awareness of the significance of mental health in the educational context and seeks to support students in accessing necessary mental health services.

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