2023 -- H 6234

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LC002599

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Kislak, Henries, Morales, Cotter, Casimiro, Felix,
Cortvriend, and Caldwell

     Date Introduced: March 30, 2023

     Referred To: House Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-19 of the General Laws entitled "Compulsory Attendance [See

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Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by adding

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thereto the following section:

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     16-19-1.2. Mental health days.

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     Every child subject to the compulsory attendance required by the provision of § 16-19-1

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may exercise up to four (4) mental health days as a valid excuse for an absence. These mental health

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days may be used similarly as students would take a sick day to address mental or behavioral health

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concerns and would be recorded as excused absences.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on September 1, 2023.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE

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     This act would allow students to utilize four (4) mental health days for mental or behavioral

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health concerns as an excused absence from school.

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     This act would take effect on September 1, 2023.

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