Bill > HB1144

This bill amends Oklahoma state law to allow students one excused absence per semester specifically for mental health purposes, without requiring any documentation from parents or students. The legislation modifies existing attendance regulations to recognize mental health days as a valid reason for absence, treating these days the same as other excused absences for attendance recording purposes. By explicitly adding mental health days to the list of acceptable absence reasons, the bill aims to support student wellbeing and acknowledges the importance of mental health in educational settings. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause indicating the immediate importance of implementing these changes. The provision applies to students of compulsory school attendance age (between 5 and 18 years old) and allows them to take a mental health day without penalty, ensuring that such absences will not negatively impact their academic standing or trigger truancy proceedings. This legislation represents a progressive approach to student mental health, recognizing that mental wellness is as important as physical health in a student's overall educational experience.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1144&Session=2600