PEER Mental Health Act of 2025

This bill creates federal grants to help schools train people to support student mental health. Trainings would teach teachers, school staff, students, and parents or caregivers how to spot signs of mental health problems, when to refer a student for help, and how to use basic “mental health first aid” in urgent situations. It would also share information about local resources for people with mental illness.

At least 25% of the funding must go to rural schools, with any unused rural set‑aside reallocated to other eligible applicants. The application process must be simplified, and the federal government must offer technical help and best‑practice guidance. Schools can receive these grants in addition to other mental health awareness training funds. The bill authorizes $24,963,000 each year from 2026 through 2030 .

• Who can apply: Elementary and secondary schools, local school districts, and state education agencies.
• Who benefits: Teachers, school staff, students, and parents/caregivers who get training and resource information.
• What changes: Training to recognize symptoms, make referrals, respond in urgent situations, and learn about community resources; at least 25% of funds reserved for rural schools; streamlined applications and federal technical help; can stack with other mental health training funds .
• When: Funding authorized for fiscal years 2026–2030.