How S1421 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill permits absences for mental health symptoms and establishes equal treatment with physical health absences in terms of documentation and support.

• Section 1 of chapter 76 of the General Laws

  Absences may also be permitted for mental health symptoms; provided further, that said absences shall be excused in the same manner as physical health symptoms; and provided further, that required documentation, from guardians or health professionals, shall be consistent with physical health absences documentation. When documentation is required from a health care professional, a school shall accept documentation from licensed mental health care professionals in the same manner as documentation from other health care professionals. A student with an absence due to mental or behavioral health shall be offered the opportunity to meet with a certified school counselor upon return to school but said student shall not be required to do so.

  This amendment allows for excused absences due to mental health, requiring schools to treat them equivalently to physical health absences.