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Student Mental Health Rights Act

3/13/2024, 12:16 AM

Summary of Bill S 2163

Bill 118 s 2163, also known as the Student Mental Health Rights Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to protect and promote the mental health rights of students in schools across the country.

The Student Mental Health Rights Act aims to achieve this goal by implementing several key provisions. Firstly, the bill requires schools to provide mental health education and resources to students, including information on how to access mental health services and support. This is intended to help students better understand and manage their mental health needs.

Additionally, the bill prohibits schools from discriminating against students based on their mental health status. This means that students cannot be denied access to educational opportunities or face disciplinary action solely because of their mental health condition. Furthermore, the Student Mental Health Rights Act requires schools to establish mental health support teams, which would be responsible for identifying and assisting students who may be struggling with mental health issues. These teams would work to connect students with appropriate resources and services to address their needs. Overall, the Student Mental Health Rights Act seeks to prioritize the mental health and well-being of students in schools, ensuring that they have access to the support and resources they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Congressional Summary of S 2163

Student Mental Health Rights Act

This bill addresses mental health and substance use at institutions of higher education (IHEs).

Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to solicit information from students and conduct a study on mental health disabilities and substance use disorders at IHEs.

In addition, ED must issue guidance on IHEs' (1) compliance with federal law on mental health, (2) legal obligations to students with mental health disabilities and students with substance use disorders, and (3) policies that may have a discriminatory impact on such students.

Current Status of Bill S 2163

Bill S 2163 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 22, 2023. Bill S 2163 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on June 22, 2023.  Bill S 2163's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of June 22, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2163

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2163

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2163

Student Mental Health Rights Act
Student Mental Health Rights Act
A bill to direct the Secretary of Education to study student mental health at institutions of higher education and to issue guidance on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 for mental health and substance use disorder policies of institutions of higher education, and for other purposes.

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