Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 4186
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4186Education
Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act
INTRO JUN 26· LAST ACTION JUN 26
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it directly tackles the growing challenge of mental health among young people, particularly by addressing the barriers many students face in getting help. If this bill becomes law, it would provide crucial funding to bring mental health support directly into schools through technology, making it easier for students to access care without having to travel long distances or worry about costs. This could lead to more students receiving timely support, improving their well-being, academic performance, and overall life outcomes.
Without this bill, many schools and communities, especially those in underserved areas, would continue to struggle with limited resources to address student mental health needs. It offers a practical way to expand vital services using modern technology, ensuring that more young people can get the behavioral and mental health assistance necessary for them to succeed.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a grant program for partnerships between school districts and healthcare providers to support K-12 student mental and behavioral health.
This creates a dedicated funding stream to expand mental health services for students through collaborative efforts.
PROVISION 02
Prioritizes grants for schools in high-poverty areas, rural locations, or designated health professional shortage areas.
This ensures that resources are directed to communities and students with the greatest need for mental health support.
PROVISION 03
Allows grant funds to be used for telehealth equipment, dedicated space, and hiring or compensating staff to run remote mental health programs.
This provides flexibility for schools to build the necessary infrastructure and staffing to deliver effective telehealth services.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes $5 million to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029 for the grant program.
This secures initial funding for the program, allowing it to launch and operate for several years.
PROVISION 05
Requires a joint report to Congress by September 30, 2027, analyzing the program's impact and offering recommendations for its future.
This ensures accountability and provides data to assess the program's effectiveness and guide potential improvements or expansion.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because it directly tackles the growing challenge of mental health among young people, particularly by addressing the barriers many students face in getting help. If this bill becomes law, it would provide crucial funding to bring mental health support directly into schools through technology, making it easier for students to access care without having to travel long distances or worry about costs. This could lead to more students receiving timely support, improving their well-being, academic performance, and overall life outcomes.
Without this bill, many schools and communities, especially those in underserved areas, would continue to struggle with limited resources to address student mental health needs. It offers a practical way to expand vital services using modern technology, ensuring that more young people can get the behavioral and mental health assistance necessary for them to succeed.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a grant program for partnerships between school districts and healthcare providers to support K-12 student mental and behavioral health.
This creates a dedicated funding stream to expand mental health services for students through collaborative efforts.
high
Prioritizes grants for schools in high-poverty areas, rural locations, or designated health professional shortage areas.
This ensures that resources are directed to communities and students with the greatest need for mental health support.
med
Allows grant funds to be used for telehealth equipment, dedicated space, and hiring or compensating staff to run remote mental health programs.
This provides flexibility for schools to build the necessary infrastructure and staffing to deliver effective telehealth services.
high
Authorizes $5 million to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029 for the grant program.
This secures initial funding for the program, allowing it to launch and operate for several years.
med
Requires a joint report to Congress by September 30, 2027, analyzing the program's impact and offering recommendations for its future.
This ensures accountability and provides data to assess the program's effectiveness and guide potential improvements or expansion.
Grants to support the mental and behavioral health of elementary and secondary school students
discretionary
2026 through 2029
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Grant
Money given by the government to an organization for a specific purpose, which does not need to be paid back.
Telehealth
Using electronic devices and communication technology (like video calls or secure messaging) to provide healthcare services remotely, instead of in person.
Eligible entity
A specific type of organization or partnership that meets the requirements to apply for and receive a grant under this program. For this bill, it's a partnership between a local school district and a community healthcare provider or an educational service agency.
Local educational agency (LEA)
A public board of education or other agency that manages public elementary or secondary schools in a local area, commonly referred to as a school district.
Community health care provider
A healthcare provider that serves a local community, which can include university health systems, and accepts payment under Medicaid.
Health professional shortage area
A geographic area, population group, or facility that has been officially designated by the federal government as having too few healthcare professionals to meet the needs of the people living there.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JUN 26, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 26, 25
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
A rule indicating that federal funds provided for a specific purpose must add to, and not replace, other existing state and local funds that are already being used for the same activities.
