Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act

# Summary: Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act (HR 1649) **What the Bill Does** This bill would allow schools to use existing federal education grants (Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants) to expand mental health services for students. Instead of limiting these funds to traditional academic purposes, schools could spend money on mental health initiatives including training staff in mental health first aid, developing emergency response plans for mental health crises, coordinating mental health services between schools and community providers, and offering telehealth (remote) mental health services to students. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects students, school staff, and school districts. It gives schools more flexibility in how they spend federal education dollars, allowing them to redirect funds toward mental health without requesting new appropriations.

Students would potentially gain better access to mental health support at school, particularly those in rural or underserved areas through telehealth options. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Rick W. Allen (R-GA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.