Bill > HB5251

This bill amends the Texas Education Code to explicitly include mental health professionals alongside other healthcare professionals when considering excused student absences. Specifically, the bill allows students to be temporarily absent from school for an appointment with a healthcare professional, now clearly including mental health professionals, provided that the student returns to school on the same day of the appointment. This modification expands the existing provisions for excused absences, which previously included reasons such as religious observances, court appearances, citizenship-related activities, and serious illnesses. The bill will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and requires a two-thirds vote of the Texas legislature for immediate implementation. By adding mental health professionals to the list of healthcare providers, the bill recognizes the importance of mental health care and ensures that students can attend critical mental health appointments without academic penalties.