Relating to excused absences from public school for certain students to attend mental health care appointments.

HB 5251 allows public school students in Texas to be excused from school for mental health care appointments, provided they return to school the same day. It amends Texas Education Code to add mental health appointments under "temporary absences" for students, alongside existing reasons like religious observances or court appearances. The bill applies to the 2025-2026 school year and requires students to resume classes on the same day as the appointment. It directly affects public school students needing same-day mental health care, without requiring physician certification (unlike illness-related absences). The policy change aims to support timely mental health care access while maintaining school attendance requirements.