CA AB1849

Adds mental or behavioral health as a new category of excused absence for pupils in California schools.

Allows pupils to be excused from school for absences that benefit their mental or behavioral health, joining other existing excused absence categories such as illness, medical appointments, and family emergencies.

Requires pupils with excused absences to be allowed to complete missed assignments and tests within a reasonable timeframe for full credit.

Establishes that any state-mandated costs imposed on local educational agencies shall be reimbursed pursuant to existing state reimbursement procedures.

Encourages schools to connect pupils with ongoing mental health treatment to key services, supports, and community mental health systems.