H.R. 1649 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Education and Workforce, Feb 27, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summarySchools get more mental health funding flexibility
Right now schools get federal money for student support programs, but the rules limit how they can spend it. This bill expands what that money can pay for, allowing schools to use it specifically for mental health services. Schools could use the funds to teach mental health first aid, plan for emergencies, coordinate services between different providers, and offer telehealth services—getting care to students remotely.
How it affects you
If you're a student or parent, this could mean your school has more flexibility to offer mental health support. Schools would be able to direct existing federal dollars toward these services rather than seeking new funding, potentially making mental health resources more available in your community's schools.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Feb 27, 2025)
Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act
This bill authorizes state and local educational agencies to use Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants to improve mental health services available to students. Specifically, the bill allows funds to be used for identifying and disseminating best practices for mental health first aid, emergency planning, coordination of services, and telehealth services.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1649
A BILL
Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act
Sponsor: Rep. Rick W. Allen (R-GA-12) · Introduced Feb 27, 2025 · Education · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Feb 27, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.”