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SB 215

COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES: Provides for mental health days for faculty, staff, and students in public education institutions. (8/1/25) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Selders

Louisiana bill mandates public colleges provide mental health days for students, faculty, and staff, with unclear costs and operational implementation details.

Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Education.
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Bill Summary · SB 215

Legislative bill overview

SB 215 would mandate that public colleges and universities in Louisiana provide mental health days for faculty, staff, and students, allowing them to take designated time off for mental health purposes. The bill was introduced in April 2025 and is currently in the Education Committee. A fiscal note indicates potential increases to general fund expenditures.

Why is this important

Mental health among college populations has become a significant public health concern, with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among students. Institutionalizing mental health days could normalize mental health care and reduce stigma, though implementation costs and operational details remain unclear. The bill addresses workforce and student wellness but raises questions about how institutions will absorb additional staffing and coverage needs.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: The bill triggers a general fund expenditure note, meaning costs to the state are uncertain and could be substantial depending on implementation scope and frequency of permitted mental health days
  • Operational feasibility: Colleges must determine how to maintain academic continuity and service delivery when significant portions of faculty, staff, and students take simultaneous time off
  • Definition and eligibility: The bill lacks detail on what qualifies as a "mental health day," who determines eligibility, documentation requirements, and whether days are limited or unlimited

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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