Senate Bill No. by Senator Selders aims to establish provisions for mental health days for faculty, staff, and students in public education institutions in Louisiana, effective August 1, 2025. The bill allows students to take up to two excused absences per semester for mental health reasons, such as stress or anxiety, with a requirement for parents or guardians to notify the school at least 24 hours in advance, although emergency requests on the day of absence are permitted. Additionally, it mandates that teachers and school employees are entitled to two mental health days per semester without loss of pay, with similar notification requirements.

The bill also introduces a definition of "mental health day" as a day off to address mental health concerns without needing a traditional medical excuse. It applies to all employees of local school boards and mandates that colleges and universities provide similar provisions for their unclassified and academic personnel. The legislation emphasizes the importance of mental health in educational settings and aims to create a supportive environment for both students and staff.

Statutes affected:
SB215 Original: