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Bill

H 817

An act relating to mental health literacy and peer-to-peer supports in schools

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daisy Berbeco and 3 co-sponsors

Vermont law establishes school-based mental health support and substance abuse prevention programs with counseling services and crisis protocols for students.

House message: Governor vetoed bill on June 17, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 817

Legislative bill overview

H 817 establishes comprehensive mental health support and substance use disorder prevention programs within Vermont schools. The bill requires schools to implement evidence-based prevention curricula, increase access to counseling services, and create protocols for identifying and supporting students experiencing mental health crises or substance use issues.

Why is this important

Mental health and substance abuse among school-age children have become critical public health concerns, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and opioid use among youth. By embedding these services directly in schools, the bill aims to provide early intervention, reduce stigma, and ensure vulnerable students receive support during critical developmental years when prevention efforts are most effective.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanisms: The bill may require significant state or local funding for staffing (counselors, social workers) and program implementation, raising questions about budget availability and whether schools can absorb costs
  • Curriculum content disputes: Substance use and mental health prevention curricula can be controversial; parents may object to specific educational content, messaging approaches, or what constitutes "evidence-based" prevention
  • Privacy and parental notification: Unclear boundaries around when schools must notify parents versus maintaining student confidentiality during mental health disclosures could create conflicts between student privacy rights and parental authority

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

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