This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to include provisions for "mental health days" as excused absences for students. The definition of "excused absence" is updated to include absences permitted under a new section, 1329.1, which mandates that by the 2026-2027 school year, all public, nonpublic, and private schools must adopt policies allowing students to take mental health days when their well-being is at risk due to mental or physical fatigue. The bill outlines that students can take up to two consecutive days for a mental health day, with restrictions on the total number of such days taken in a week or consecutive weeks.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Education to develop guidelines and a model policy for schools to implement these mental health days, ensuring that schools provide appropriate support for students who take such absences. The bill defines various terms related to mental health conditions, including "certified" and "uncertified" conditions, and outlines the responsibilities of school staff in supporting students who utilize mental health days. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 2002 (Jun 24, 2025): P.L.30, No.14