Bill > HR4186

This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Secretary of Education, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to support mental and behavioral health services for elementary and secondary school students, with a particular focus on rural and underserved areas. The grants will help eligible entities (partnerships between local educational agencies and community health care providers) implement telehealth programs for mental health services, which may include purchasing equipment, ensuring adequate space and personnel, and hiring or compensating staff to run these programs. Applicants must submit a detailed plan for their telehealth program and ensure student privacy. The bill prioritizes grants for high-poverty schools, rural schools, and schools in areas with healthcare professional shortages. Recipients must use the funds to supplement, not replace, existing federal, state, and local funding. By September 30, 2027, the Secretaries must submit a congressional report analyzing the program's impact, including the number of students receiving telehealth mental health services, and provide recommendations for future improvements. The bill authorizes $5 million in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029 to support this initiative.

Labor and Employment

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4186/all-info