New Jersey Assembly Bill A2520

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Permits school districts to define excused absences from school to include illness based on student's mental or behavioral health and requires Commissioner of Education to develop guidelines for defining excused absence for this reason.

Impact

The bill requires the Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Health, to establish guidelines for such absences. These guidelines will detail the necessary supporting documentation schools may require from students returning from leaves due to mental or behavioral health concerns. This requirement could lead to more standardized practices across school districts regarding how they handle attendance related to mental health, potentially improving consistency and support for affected students.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2520 permits school districts in New Jersey to define excused absences to include illnesses related to a student's mental or behavioral health. This legislation acknowledges the importance of mental health and its impact on students' performance and participation in school activities. By allowing schools to classify absences due to mental health issues as excused, the bill aims to create a more supportive and understanding educational environment that accommodates the diverse needs of students.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed positively for promoting mental health awareness in schools, discussions around it may highlight concerns regarding the implementation of such guidelines and the necessity of documentation. Some education stakeholders might argue about the feasibility and implications of requiring documentation for mental health-related absences, fearing it could discourage students from seeking help or returning to school after absences. Further, discussions may arise regarding the balance between student privacy and the need for accountability in school attendance policies.