summary
Introduced
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
In Committee
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Subpart 2 of Part 1 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to compulsory attendance relative to elementary and secondary school students, so as to require the local governing body for each school system and public school to adopt a policy providing that students shall be granted excused absences for up to three mental health days per school year; to require local school systems and public schools to provide information to students and parents about available mental health resources; to require the State Board of Education to develop a model policy; to provide a definition; to provide a short title; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Georgia Student Mental Health Days Act," requires local school systems and public schools to adopt policies allowing students up to three excused absences per school year for mental health days, which are defined as absences due to a student's mental health or emotional well-being, without requiring disclosure of specific mental health information. Schools must also inform students and parents about available mental health resources, and the State Board of Education will create a model policy for these schools to follow, with the law taking effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (9)
Tonya Anderson (D)*,
Sally Harrell (D)*,
Jaha Howard (D)*,
Donzella James (D)*,
Harold Jones (D)*,
RaShaun Kemp (D)*,
Randal Mangham (D)*,
Nikki Merritt (D)*,
Kenya Wicks (D)*,
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred (on 02/11/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73068 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/242174 |
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