An Act To Amend Title 14 Relating To School Attendance.
The passage of HB 3 will impact compulsory attendance laws in Delaware by formally including mental and behavioral health as justifiable reasons for absence. Each school district and charter school will define the maximum number of excused absences allowed for these reasons. Notably, after a student's second excused absence due to mental health concerns, they are required to be referred to a school-based mental health specialist, thus promoting proactive mental health support in educational institutions.
House Bill 3 aims to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code, specifically addressing school attendance requirements by acknowledging mental and behavioral health as valid reasons for student absences. The bill stipulates that absences for mental or behavioral health issues will be treated as excused absences, allowing students to make up missed schoolwork without penalty. This legislative change recognizes the importance of mental well-being in educational settings and seeks to improve support systems for students facing such challenges.
The sentiment surrounding HB 3 is largely supportive, as legislators and advocates recognize the necessity of addressing mental health in school policies. Proponents of the bill view this amendment as a significant step toward destigmatizing mental health issues and providing substantially needed resources and support for affected students. However, there may be some concerns about the implementation and management of these absences, particularly regarding potential misuse or variations in how different schools apply these guidelines.
While HB 3 is largely welcomed, points of contention may arise regarding the balance between maintaining academic standards and accommodating mental health needs. Critics may question the optimal number of absences that should be allowed without medical documentation, and how local education agencies will fairly implement the referral process for mental health specialists. Ensuring that the bill does not unintentionally lead to leniency in attendance requirements could be a point of ongoing debate among educational stakeholders.