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Bill

SB 490

"Georgia Student Mental Health Days Act"; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tonya Anderson and 8 co-sponsors

Georgia bill authorizes students to take excused mental health days off school, treating psychological wellness absences equal to physical illness without academic penalty.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SB 490

Legislative bill overview

SB 490 would establish official mental health days as excused absences for Georgia students, allowing them to take time off for mental health needs without penalty. The bill recognizes mental health as equivalent to physical health in determining school attendance and would require schools to treat these absences similarly to sick days.

Why is this important

Mental health conditions among adolescents have increased significantly, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Formalizing mental health days removes stigma, encourages students to seek support rather than hide struggles, and acknowledges that mental wellness directly affects academic performance and overall development.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional concerns: The bill may lack clear criteria for what qualifies as a mental health day, potentially leading to inconsistent implementation across districts or misuse by students avoiding school for non-mental-health reasons
  • Implementation burden: Schools may face administrative challenges tracking mental health absences, training staff on appropriate responses, and determining whether parental notification or documentation (like doctor's notes) is required
  • Access inequality: Students with access to mental health professionals may use the days more effectively than those without resources, potentially widening educational equity gaps rather than closing them

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

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