Youth Voices Advocate for Excused Mental Health Days Legislation

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation’s (JHF) PA Youth Advocacy Network youth advocates Niharika Shukla and Mohammad Shedeed briefed Mental Health Caucus and Education Committee members on Excused Mental Health Days legislation at the Capitol in Harrisburg June 11.

In 2023, State Senators John I. Kane and Judy Schwank introduced Senate Bill 886, which would ensure K-12 students can take a mental health day without a doctor's note or diagnosis, allowing students to connect with resources and support instead of truancy court. Representative Napoleon Nelson introduced a companion bill in the PA House, HB 1519. The legislation advanced out of the education committee due in part to a statewide student mental health advocacy day. The bill was reintroduced this session as SB 781 and with a new House cosponsorship memo.

In partnership with Democratic Whip Rep. Mike Schlossberg—leader of the Mental Health Caucus—and bill sponsors Senators John Kane, Judy Schwank, and Rep. Napoleon Nelson, the briefing shared students’ stories on the need for mental health days, explained how the bill would amend current law and school policies, and outlined ways legislators can advance the legislation, which would make Pennsylvania the 13th state to offer excused absences for students to prioritize mental well-being.

“It was an incredible honor to present the Senate Bill advocating for Excused Mental Health Days to the Pennsylvania Mental Health Caucus and Education Committee at the State Capitol in Harrisburg,” Shukla said. “As a student from Central Pennsylvania, I shared the importance of expanding access to school-based mental health resources in my community. I also had the opportunity to highlight the work we've led through the PA Youth Advocacy Network to support the bill’s passage.”

The briefing sparked conversation between youth and legislators and staff members, including discussion of updates to the bill from the last session.

“Talking to legislators is a powerful experience. You feel as if you are fighting for and creating change in a room with policymakers,” Sheeed said. “That does come with its challenges such as difficult questions or statements. That is why it is important to be informed and prepared about what you are fighting for. An easy way to prep for calls with legislators is with our legislative outreach toolkit. I look forward to continuing gaining support across the Commonwealth through the petition and encouraging people to reach out to their respective representatives and senators to advocate for this bill as well.”

The PA Youth Advocacy Network is looking forward to exploring potential opportunities to host more youth and community-focused briefings around a variety of teen mental health issues.