Sponsors (4)
The bill expands and funds school-based peer mental health supports and builds accountability and privacy protections, improving access for students but introducing federal costs, potential administrative burdens for small/tribal schools, and risks of inconsistent program quality.
Students in secondary schools gain access to evidence-based peer mental health supports and training, improving early identification and support for mental health needs.
Schools and school districts receive federal grant funding and technical assistance to start and run peer support programs, lowering local startup costs and enabling more widespread implementation.
Students and schools benefit from required program evaluation and reporting to Congress, increasing accountability and building evidence on which peer-support models are effective.
Students may experience uneven or low-quality peer support if oversight, training, or professional connections are insufficient, limiting benefits or risking harm.
Small school districts, tribal schools, and tribal communities may face administrative burdens from grant applications, evaluations, and reporting requirements even when awarded funds.
Taxpayers fund a federal pilot grant program, adding federal spending for several years without creating a permanent authorization beyond 2029.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a competitive pilot grant program for eligible jurisdictions to fund evidence-based, school‑based peer mental health support for secondary students with required oversight and evaluation.
Authorizes a time-limited competitive pilot grant program to fund evidence-based peer mental health support activities for students in secondary schools. Grants go to States, political subdivisions, territories, or Indian Tribes/tribal organizations; programs must be overseen by a school-based mental health professional, protect student education records under FERPA, include evaluation plans, and be evaluated and reported to Congress. The pilot sunsets September 30, 2029.
Introduced March 6, 2025 by John Wright Hickenlooper · Last progress March 6, 2025