HI SB34

Department of Education must identify absences due to a student's mental or behavioral health as excused absences.

Defines "excused absence" as an absence exempt from penalties relating to failure to meet regular school attendance requirements.

Exempts mental health-related absences from enforcement of compulsory attendance penalties under Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 302A-1132 to 302A-1135.

Limits the number of mental health-related excused absences a student may take each academic year (specific number to be determined by the Department of Education).

Takes effect upon approval.