Bill > SB34

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education to recognize student absences related to mental or behavioral health as "excused absences" and limits these mental health-related absences to a specific number per academic year. An "excused absence" is defined as an absence exempted from penalties related to regular school attendance requirements. The bill modifies existing statutes to formally recognize mental health as a valid reason for student absence and prevents schools from penalizing students who are absent due to mental health concerns. Specifically, the legislation adds a new section to Chapter 302A of Hawaii Revised Statutes that explicitly allows students to take mental health days without facing disciplinary consequences, while also establishing a cap on the number of such absences allowed annually. This approach recognizes the importance of mental health in students' overall well-being and educational experience, providing a structured way for students to prioritize their mental health without academic penalty.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=34&year=2026