Georgia · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 490: "Georgia Student Mental Health Days Act"; enact
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 490 is a bill introduced in the Georgia Senate on February 10, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: "Georgia Student Mental Health Days Act"; enact. Primary sponsor: Kenya Wicks (Democratic), RaShaun Kemp (Democratic), Sally Harrell (Democratic), Harold Jones (Democratic), Randal Mangham (Democratic), Donzella James (Democratic), Tonya Anderson (Democratic), Nikki Merritt (Democratic), Jaha Howard (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 11, 2026): Senate Read and Referred.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Subpart 2 of Part 1 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to compulsory attendance relative to elementary and secondary school students, so as to require the local governing body for each school system and public school to adopt a policy providing that students shall be granted excused absences for up to three mental health days per school year; to require local school systems and public schools to provide information to students and parents about available mental health resources; to require the State Board of Education to develop a model policy; to provide a definition; to provide a short title; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya Wicks | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 34 |
| RaShaun Kemp | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 38 |
| Sally Harrell | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 40 |
| Harold Jones | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 22 |
| Randal Mangham | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 55 |
| Donzella James | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 28 |
| Tonya Anderson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 43 |
| Nikki Merritt | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Jaha Howard | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 35 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Senate Read and Referred
- Senate Hopper