Bill > SB207

This bill amends the Texas Education Code to explicitly include mental health professionals in the list of healthcare professionals for whom students can be excused from school for appointments. Specifically, the bill allows students to have a temporary absence for an appointment with a healthcare professional, now specifically mentioning mental health professionals, provided that the student starts or returns to classes on the same day as the appointment. This change aims to recognize the importance of mental health care and ensure that students can attend such appointments without academic penalties. The bill will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and becomes immediately effective if it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, otherwise taking effect on September 1, 2025. By adding mental health professionals to the list of approved reasons for excused absences, the bill acknowledges the significance of mental health care for students and provides them with more flexibility to attend important medical appointments.