HI SCR140

Requests the Department of Education to conduct a study on the impact of mental health-related absences on student attendance and well-being in Hawaii public schools.

Current DOE attendance tracking does not disaggregate data to identify whether absences are linked to behavioral or mental health needs, and most Hawaii schools do not explicitly categorize mental health absences as excused.

Study must include analysis of how often students miss school due to mental health concerns, review of other states' policies on mental health absences, and evaluation of whether recognizing such absences as excused could improve outcomes.

Department of Education must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2027.