This bill aims to increase access to mental health services in high-need public schools by providing federal grants to states, which then distribute subgrants to local school districts. The legislation addresses a documented mental health crisis among young people, with nearly one in five children ages 13-17 having a diagnosed mental health condition and over half of lifetime mental illness cases beginning by age 14. States receiving grants must match the federal funding at 20 percent and work toward meeting recommended maximum ratios of 250 students per school counselor, 250 students per school social worker, and 500 students per school psychologist. The bill authorizes $5 billion for fiscal year 2027 and unspecified amounts for subsequent years, with a five-year grant period that can be renewed based on progress. The legislation also requires annual reporting from school districts and states on the number of mental health providers hired and progress toward meeting the recommended student-to-provider ratios.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.