Bill > HM43

This Memorial requests that the Legislative Education Study Committee, working with the Public Education Department, create a task force composed of various stakeholders including committee members, department personnel, mental health professionals, school staff, union representatives, and community members, to develop a comprehensive plan for establishing "mental wellness spaces" in public middle and high schools. These spaces are intended to support student mental health, which has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other stressors like bullying and trauma, and are seen as a way to improve both student welfare and academic performance. The task force is also directed to research successful models in other states, determine standards for these spaces, and consider a pilot program to assess their effectiveness, with a report of their findings due by November 1, 2022.