Historically most schools havent recognized mental health as a legitimate reason to miss classes.
Below, weve outlined the current legislative stance onmental health daysin all fifty states.
This review excludes the discussion of private schools, which may have policies independent of state law.
Verywell / Datawrapper.
Note: This information is current as of April 2023.
California:On October 8th, 2021 Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bills 14 and 224 into law.
This includes mental health days and regular sick days.
These would count as excused absences.
This bill has not yet been signed into law.
This bill has not yet been signed into law.
This bill has not yet been signed into law.
This bill has not yet been signed into law.
The bill would allow students up to five excused absences for behavioral health reasons.
This bill has not yet been signed into law.
This bill has not yet been signed into law.
This bill has not yet been signed into law.
Washington State Legislature.HB 1834 - 2021-22.
June 9, 2022.
California State Senate.Governor Signs Senator Portantino’s Mental Health Education Bills.
Illinois General Assembly.Bill Status of SB1577.
Maine Legislature.An Act To Include Student Absences for Mental Health or Behavioral Health Needs as Excusable Absences.
Colorado General Assembly.Senate Bill 20-014.
Oregon Legislature.House Bill 2191.
Connecticut General Assembly.An Act Concerning Social Equity and the Health, Safety and Education of Children.
Arizona State Legislature.Senate Bill 1097.
81 Mental Health Days for Students.
The New York State Senate.Senate Bill S563.
Maryland General Assembly.House Bill 461.
Massachusetts Legislature.An Act Providing Mental Health Sick Days to Public School Students.
Pennsylvania General Assembly.Regular Session 2021-2022 Senate Bill 506.
