HB 3624
AN ACT relating to excused absences from public school for a student's
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Allows students in Texas public schools to have up to five excused absences per school year for mental or behavioral health reasons, without requiring a healthcare professional's documentation. School districts cannot penalize students for these absences, and students will be allowed to make up missed schoolwork, with their attendance counted as if they were present. This legislation aims to support students' mental health by providing flexibility and reducing barriers to addressing their psychological well-being.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to excused absences from public school for a student's BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 25.087, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-9) and amending Subsection (d) to read as (b-9) A school district shall excuse a student from attending school for a maximum of five days in a school year for the student's mental or behavioral health. The district may not require the student to provide a statement from a health care professional to justify or verify the student's absence. On a student's second excused absence under this subsection, the district may refer the student to the district's school counselor or other appropriate school support personnel. (d) A student whose absence is excused under Subsection (b), (b-1), (b-2), (b-4), (b-5), (b-7), (b-8), (b-9), or (c) may not be penalized for that absence and shall be counted as if the student attended school for purposes of calculating the average daily attendance of students in the school district. A student whose absence is excused under Subsection (b), (b-1), (b-2), (b-4), (b-5), (b-7), (b-8), (b-9), or (c) shall be allowed a reasonable time to make up school work missed on those days. If the student satisfactorily completes the school work, the day of absence shall be counted as a day of compulsory attendance. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026 SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to excused absences from public school for a student's
Related Guides
Learn more about tracking Texas legislation and working with lobbyists.
How to Read & Track Texas Bills
Master bill numbering, understand legislative language, and learn effective tracking strategies.
Understanding Texas Legislative Deadlines
Navigate the 140-day session with critical calendar dates and filing deadlines.
How Laws Get Made in Texas
Follow a bill's journey from filing to the governor's desk through committees and floor votes.
When Should Your Business Hire a Lobbyist?
Discover the signs that your business needs professional advocacy at the Texas Capitol.