Establish Mandatory Mental Health Days for Students

 

The purpose of this bill is to promote student well-being by allowing excused absences for mental health reasons,

reducing stress, and supporting emotional health in schools.

 

Students across Minnesota are experiencing rising levels of stress, anxiety, and academic pressure, yet current school

absence policies do not specifically allow students to take time off for their mental well-being. Without designated

mental health days, many students come to school overwhelmed or burnt out, which negatively impacts their learning,

behavior, and long-term health. This bill ensures students have the ability to care for their mental health without

academic penalty.

 

Mental Health Day - an excused absence taken by a student to rest or care for their mental health.

Student - any child enrolled in grades K–12 in a school.

Parent/Guardian Notification - a written, electronic, or verbal notification from a student’s parent or guardian

explaining the absence as a mental health day.

 

This bill doesn't need funding.

 

Schools that fail to recognize mental health days as excused absences or that penalize students for using them will be

required to correct the violation within 10 school days. If a school repeatedly violates this policy, the district will

face administrative review by the Department of Education.

 

August 1st, 2026.