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H 743

An Act establishing a grant program to increase the presence of mental health counselors in schools

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marcus Vaughn

Creates the School Mental Health Professional Grant Program to fund salaries or contracted mental health services in Massachusetts schools, expanding student access to support.

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 743

Summary: Bill H 743 — An Act establishing a grant program to increase the presence of mental health counselors in schools

Overview

H 743 proposes creating a targeted grant program to boost the number of mental health professionals in Massachusetts schools. The program is designed to help school districts hire mental health professionals directly or through contracted third-party providers to expand student mental health support.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish the School Mental Health Professional Grant Program to increase the presence of mental health professionals in school districts.
  • Improve access to mental health services for students by expanding district staffing or contracted services.

Key provisions

  • Establishment: Adds a new section (Section 100) to Chapter 71 of the General Laws, creating the School Mental Health Professional Grant Program.
  • Administration and awarding: The Department (of the relevant state department) shall award grants to school districts that apply, following procedures established by the commissioner.
  • Authorized uses of funds:
    • (i) Fund in part or in whole the salary of a mental health professional employed by the school district.
    • (ii) Fund the cost of contracting with a third-party mental health service provider to serve students in the district.
  • Regulatory framework: The commissioner must adopt regulations to implement the program, including qualifications or certifications required for mental health professionals whose salaries or contracted services are funded by the grants.

Who would be affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: School districts in the Commonwealth seeking to hire or contract mental health professionals (e.g., school counselors, psychologists, social workers, or other licensed mental health staff as defined by regulations).
  • Indirect impacts: Students and families who would gain access to expanded mental health support within schools; potential effects on district budgets and hiring practices.

Funding, implementation, and timeline

  • No specific funding amount is specified in the text provided; funds would be awarded as grants under a framework set by the commissioner.
  • Implementation hinges on regulations to be issued by the commissioner, including staff qualifications and certification standards for funded positions.
  • Legislative status and actions:
    • Introduced and filed in early 2025 (Filed January 3, 2025; presented with House No. 743).
    • Referred to the Committee on Education on February 27, 2025.
    • Related action includes Senate concurrence and ongoing hearings.
    • Notable hearings: October 14, 2025 (Gardner Auditorium) and November 20, 2025 (calendar listing for December 2, 2025 hearing).
  • Current status: Hearing scheduled for December 2, 2025 (1:00 PM–2:00 PM, in A-2).

Procedural and strategic notes

  • The bill aligns with prior related proposals (see similar matter filed in 2023-24 as H 3573).
  • Success depends on subsequent budgeting allocations and the regulatory framework establishing eligibility criteria, funding caps, and evaluation metrics.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Pros: Greater access to school-based mental health services, potential improvements in student well-being and academic outcomes, clearer standards for funded positions.
  • Cons/Considerations: Funding level and duration are unknown; impact depends on implementation, district capacity, and workforce availability; regulatory standards will shape who can be funded and how.

For readers evaluating the bill, key questions include: what funding authorities or appropriations will accompany the program, what specific qualifications will be required for funded staff, and how districts will apply and be prioritised.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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