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Bill > S3866
NJ S3866
NJ S3866Establishes task force to examine public school programs and services designed to address student mental health.
summary
Introduced
11/18/2024
11/18/2024
In Committee
11/18/2024
11/18/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes the Task Force on Student Mental Health. Under the bill, the task force will consist of 16 members including: the Commissioner of Education; the Director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services; one public member appointed by the President of the Senate and one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; one public member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly; and 10 members appointed by the Governor, including: a school board member, a school principal, a school administrator, an elementary school teacher, a high school teacher, a school counselor, a school social worker, and a school psychologist, all of whom are currently employed in public schools in the State; and two parents of students enrolled in a public school. The task force will study and make recommendations regarding the following:· the identification of public school students who experience depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychological or emotional tension, trauma, or disorder;· the evaluation and expansion of counseling programs and services available to students experiencing mental health difficulties, and other programs designed to address issues related to student mental health; · the relationship of student mental health to school safety and security; · the amount of funding that may be necessary for public schools to employ the appropriate staff and to establish new programs or expand existing programs necessary to address student mental health; and· an examination of other states which have implemented programs that have successfully addressed depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychological or emotional tension, trauma, or disorder among public school students and reduced the number of students experiencing such difficulties. The bill directs the task force to issue a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year after its organizational meeting. The task force will expire 30 days after the submission of the final report.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Task Force on Student Mental Health, a 16-member group charged with examining and developing recommendations to improve mental health support in public schools. The task force will include key state officials like the Commissioner of Education, legislative appointees with mental health expertise, and 10 members appointed by the Governor (including educators, school staff, and parents). The task force's primary responsibilities include identifying students experiencing mental health challenges, evaluating and expanding counseling programs, exploring the connection between mental health and school safety, assessing funding needs for mental health services, and studying successful mental health programs in other states. Members will serve without compensation but can be reimbursed for necessary expenses, and the Department of Education will provide administrative support. The task force must issue a comprehensive final report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its first meeting and will automatically dissolve 30 days after submitting that report. The goal is to develop strategies that help public school students access high-quality mental health programs and services, ultimately supporting their educational and emotional well-being.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 11/18/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3866 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4000/3866_I1.HTM |
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