(a) As used in this section and § 10-198b, “mental health wellness day” describes a school day during which a student attends to such student’s emotional and psychological well-being in lieu of attending school.

(b) For the school year commencing July 1, 2021, and each school year thereafter, a local or regional board of education shall permit any student enrolled in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, to take two mental health wellness days during the school year, during which day such student shall not be required to attend school. No student shall take mental health wellness days during consecutive school days.