Schools; attendance; allowing one day per semester for an excused absence for student mental health; effective date; emergency.

HB 1144 allows Oklahoma public school students in grades K-12 to take one excused absence per semester for mental health reasons, without requiring documentation from parents or healthcare providers. This policy directly affects students and schools by adding mental health as a valid reason for an excused absence under existing attendance rules. The key mechanism is a clear provision in the bill stating students may miss one school day per semester for mental health support, with no need for verification. This change simplifies access to mental health breaks while maintaining school attendance standards.