Student mental health considerations approved

A bill meant to prioritize students’ mental health was passed by the Legislature July 31.

Currently, a Nebraska school may refer a child to the county attorney for truancy if the child has had more than 20 absences during the school year and a collaborative plan has not successfully resolved the child’s barriers to attendance.

LB751, sponsored by Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood, adds mental health as a recognized barrier to attendance for consideration as part of a collaborative plan.

Senators passed the bill on a 48-0 vote.