Bill > S04650

This bill amends the education law to require mental health certificates for students, which would be requested at the same time as other health certificates. The bill allows local school authorities to request a mental health assessment and history for any child at their discretion to promote the child's educational interests. The mental health certificate must be signed by a licensed professional such as a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, either from New York or from a jurisdiction with comparable professional standards. The certificate must describe the student's mental health condition from an assessment no more than 12 months prior to the school year and state whether the student is mentally fit to attend public school. Additionally, the bill requires schools to distribute a notice about mental health certificates alongside health examination requirements and provide parents with a list of mental health professionals offering services on a free or reduced-cost basis. The education department, in collaboration with the health department, will compile and maintain this list of mental health resources and develop regulations for information gathering and dissemination. The bill will take effect on the first of July following its enactment.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4650