Massachusetts H557: An Act expanding reasons for excused absences from school to include mental or behavioral health

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Section 1 of Chapter 76 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting in line 25, after the words “any period of six months”, the following:- “, provided that a school shall excuse absences due to mental health symptoms in the same manner that absences are excused for physical health symptoms. Likewise, any requirement for documentation, either from a parent or health professional, shall be consistent for absence due to mental health symptoms as for physical health symptoms. When documentation is required of a healthcare professional, a school shall accept documentation from licensed mental health care professionals in the same manner as documentation from other health care professionals. A child who is absent due to mental or behavioral health shall be offered the opportunity to meet with a certified school counselor upon return to school, but shall not be required to do so.”

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Carol Doherty (D, 3rd Bristol) · primary sponsor
• James Hawkins (D, 2nd Bristol)

Latest actions

1. July 10, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 07/21/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
2. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
3. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Education

Common questions

What is H557?

H557 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act expanding reasons for excused absences from school to include mental or behavioral health.

What is the status of H557?

In committee as of July 10, 2025. Latest action: Hearing scheduled for 07/21/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium (July 10, 2025).

Who sponsored H557?

Carol Doherty (D, 3rd Bristol), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for H557?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H557