Deseret News
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Steve Griffin, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY Mental health days would be excused absences from Utah schools under a bill endorsed by a legislative committee Friday.
The House Education Committee voted unanimously to send HB81 to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Other states that have made this allowance have experienced a reduction in youth suicide, according to HB81’s sponsor, Rep. Mike Winder, R-West Valley City.
“Here in the state of Utah, where we’re at sixth in the nation for youth suicides, anything we can do to save a life is important, especially in this pandemic where our kids are under pressure unlike ever before,” Winder said.
The House Education Committee voted unanimously to send HB81 to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Other states that have made this allowance have experienced a reduction in youth suicide, according to HB81 s sponsor, Rep. Mike Winder, R-West Valley City. Here in the state of Utah, where we re at sixth in the nation for youth suicides, anything we can do to save a life is important, especially in this pandemic where our kids are under pressure unlike ever before, Winder said.
He said the bill is supported by the Utah chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Utah School Counselor Association and the Libertas Institute.