Bill > HB1648

This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to allow for excused absences for mental health days for students. Specifically, it adds a new section that requires school districts and governing bodies of public, nonpublic, and private schools to adopt policies providing excused absences for mental health days when a student's well-being is at risk due to mental or physical fatigue, regardless of whether the underlying condition is diagnosed by a professional. Students can use up to two consecutive mental health days, with additional days requiring school policy approval. The bill mandates that the Department of Education develop model policies and guidelines for these mental health days within a specific timeframe, consulting with a diverse student advisory group and school administrators. The bill also defines terms like "certified mental health-related condition" (diagnosed conditions like anxiety or depression) and "uncertified mental health-related condition" (situations like family emergencies, bullying, or academic pressure causing fatigue). The Department will establish a work group composed of various education professionals and students to advise on these policies, and schools will have until the beginning of the 2027-2028 school year to incorporate mental health days into their attendance policies.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1648