If enacted, SB2222 would have substantial implications for how attendance policies are structured within the Hawaii educational system. The bill is designed to support students' mental wellbeing by acknowledging the importance of mental health days, similar to the provisions for physical health absences. This could facilitate a more supportive environment for students struggling with mental health issues and reduce the stress associated with attendance requirements for those individuals.
Summary
Senate Bill 2222 aims to amend existing laws in Hawaii regarding school attendance by recognizing absences due to mental or behavioral health as excused. Specifically, the bill proposes that the Department of Education shall identify any absence attributable to a student's mental or behavioral health as an excused absence, thus exempting it from penalties related to compulsory school attendance. Students would be allowed a limited number of these excused absences per academic year, although the bill does not specify the exact number in the text available.
Contention
While the bill may have widespread support among mental health advocates and educational professionals, it could also face opposition. Concerns may arise about the potential for misuse of the allowance for excused absences, and the bill's impact on administrative processes within schools. There may also be broader discussions about the adequacy of mental health resources in schools to ensure that students receive the appropriate support when needed. Furthermore, clarity on how the Department of Education will monitor and enforce the regulation could remain contested points in the legislative discussions surrounding this bill.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26
Health occupations: health professionals; limited license for certain individuals engaging in the practice of applied behavior analysis; provide for. Amends secs. 16343a, 18253 & 18257 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16343a et seq.).