Texas law now explicitly allows mental health absences for students

Texas students can now take excused absences from school to attend mental health appointments under legislation that takes effect with the 2025-26 school year.

Senate Bill 207, which passed unanimously in both chambers, clarifies that appointments with mental health professionals qualify as excused absences alongside other health care visits.

The law amends existing statute to specify that students may be excused for appointments with “health care professionals, including mental health professionals” as long as they return to school the same day.

Previously, the education code allowed excused absences for health care appointments but didn’t explicitly mention mental health services, creating potential confusion for school districts about whether such visits qualified.

The legislation drew strong bipartisan support, with Republican and Democratic lawmakers joining as co-sponsors. Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, led the effort alongside Democratic Sens. Nathan Johnson of Dallas, Molly Cook of Houston, Sarah Eckhardt of Austin, Juan Hinojosa of McAllen and Jose Menendez of San Antonio. Republican Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson, R-Spring, also backed the measure.

“This removes any ambiguity,” the sponsors said in joint statements. “Mental health care is health care, and students shouldn’t be penalized for seeking treatment.”

The legislation applies to appointments for both students and their children, recognizing that some high school students are parents themselves.

School districts must excuse students for these brief absences provided they attend classes before or after their appointments on the same day. The law doesn’t cover full-day mental health absences, which would fall under different provisions requiring physician certification for serious illness.

The change comes amid growing awareness of youth mental health challenges. Texas has faced scrutiny over student mental health services, particularly following several high-profile incidents at schools statewide.

Other excused absences under Texas law include religious observances, court appearances, citizenship proceedings, election work and court-ordered activities for students in state custody.

The bill passed the Senate 31-0 on April 1 and cleared the House 145-0 on May 20, with only two members not voting. The overwhelming support reflects bipartisan recognition of mental health as a priority.

School districts will need to update their attendance policies to reflect the new language before the fall semester begins.