✅Relating to verification of excused absences from public school for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses.

HB 367

✅ HB 367: Medical Absence Form for Seriously Ill Students

What it says it does:
HB 367 requires public schools to excuse a student’s absence if a licensed Texas physician certifies that the student has a severe or life-threatening illness and cannot attend. Districts must adopt a standard form and are prohibited from asking for any additional documents.

What it actually changes:
It removes local discretion and procedural hurdles that often delay or deny excused absences for medically fragile students. The decision rests solely on the physician’s signed form. Districts must adopt a form and comply starting in the 2025–2026 school year.

Who is pushing for it:
Supporters in the files include Disability Rights Texas, Texas State Teachers Association, and the Texas Association of School Boards. The bill’s author is Rep. Jon Rosenthal, with Sen. José Menéndez as the Senate sponsor.

Who benefits:
Families of children battling cancer, organ failure, chronic illness, or other life-threatening conditions. Also helps doctors and school administrators by setting clear expectations and reducing documentation fights.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Districts can still create their own form, which could lead to unequal treatment across Texas. The Texas Education Agency is not given oversight, and there is no clear accountability system if districts ignore the law.

Why this matters long term:
This bill sets a precedent that the state can prioritize clarity and compassion in public education policy. It limits bureaucratic discretion without expanding agency power or funneling public dollars to private vendors.

What to watch next:
There is no statewide form or audit path. If local compliance is weak or uneven, families could face the same issues under a new name. TEA may need to issue model guidance or best practices to ensure consistency.

Bottom line:
HB 367 is a clean, people-centered bill that cuts red tape for medically vulnerable students. It deserves recognition and careful follow-through to make sure no child is penalized for being seriously ill.

#HB367 #TexasPolicy #StudentRights #MedicalEquity #KnowBeforeYouVote