A bill aiming to allow mental health a justifiable reason for students to miss school unanimously passed out of senate committee Wednesday.Proposed by Rep. Mike Winder, House Bill 81 seeks to add “mental or behavioral” health as a valid excuse for school absences. Currently, mental illnesses are valid reasons for students to miss school, but the absences are unexcused unless students can provide a note from a therapist or counselor.
Winder posted on Twitter Wednesday, saying there were “great testimonies in favor of the bill,” including one from his own daughter.
The bill now moves to the full Senate to be considered.
