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 specifies that these days cannot be used on test dates or project deadlines unless a valid emergency is documented. The legislation aims to promote mental well-being among students and staff in educational settings by formalizing the process for taking mental health days.

Statutes affected:
SB215 Original: