An Act relative to the mental health of children in schools

This bill amends Massachusetts law to allow students to be excused from school for mental health symptoms in the same way they are for physical illnesses. It requires that documentation for mental health absences be treated identically to that for physical health, accepting notes from licensed mental health professionals. Additionally, the law mandates that students returning from such absences be offered a meeting with a school counselor, though attending this meeting remains optional. These changes directly affect school districts, educators, and families by formalizing support for mental health needs within the existing framework for health-related absences.