Requires school districts to excuse students with mental or behavioral health concerns from attendance at school

This bill requires Missouri school districts to excuse students from attendance when a qualified health professional determines that mental or behavioral health concerns make it necessary. The law applies to children of all ages and mandates that each school district create a written policy for handling these absences starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will work with the Department of Mental Health to develop a model policy that districts can adopt to ensure consistency. This change directly affects parents, guardians, students, and school administrators by formalizing the process for excusing absences related to mental health.