Bill > HB38

This bill aims to enact a new section in the Revised Code to allow school districts to permit students in grades kindergarten through twelve to take up to three "mental health days" as excused absences from school each school year. These absences would not require a physician's or health professional's certification, and the student would be given the opportunity to make up any missed schoolwork. The mental health days would not be counted towards the parental notice requirements for student absences. School districts may choose to either excuse students from school altogether or provide an in-school mental health program on these days. Districts can also refer students who use a mental health day to appropriate support services, and they may prohibit the use of these days on certain dates, such as those scheduled for standardized testing.