Bill > SB1039

This bill amends the Public School Code to establish the Pennsylvania Mental Health First Aid Training Program and enhance student support policies in schools. The bill expands definitions to include a broader range of "school-wide staff" such as contractors, volunteers, and service providers, and requires the Department of Education to develop a model policy for mental health training by January 1, 2026. Schools will be encouraged (but not mandated) to implement training programs that help staff recognize and respond to student mental health distress, including indicators of suicidal ideation. The training must cover recognizing mental health decline, learning appropriate intervention techniques, and providing up-to-date contact information for mental health resources. Schools that choose to implement these training programs can include up to four hours of training in their continuing education plans every five years. The bill also requires schools to make their mental health policies publicly accessible, review these policies every three years, and submit annual reports to the Department of Education with anonymized data on mental health concerns. Additionally, the School Safety and Security Grant Program will be expanded to provide grants for staff training programs focused on mental health recognition and intervention. The legislation aims to improve student mental health support and awareness in Pennsylvania schools.

Education

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1039