An Act relative to the promotion of mental health education

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 7 co-sponsors

Massachusetts would make mental health education a required part of K-12 curricula in public and private schools, aligning it with physical health and ensuring parity in accreditat

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Overview

H.598, introduced February 27, 2025, seeks to strengthen mental health education within Massachusetts public and private schools. The bill would elevate mental health as a core component of K-12 health instruction, integrating it with physical health to promote student well-being and dignity. It has been reported favorably by a committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. A related provision would affect private schools’ accreditation processes to ensure parity with public schools on mental health education, while protecting religious instruction and enabling transportation funding to approved schools.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Amends Chapter 71, Sec. 3

Mental health education becomes a required subject in all grades for all students in public schools.
Programs must recognize multiple health dimensions, including mental health and its relationship to physical health.
The goal is to enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behaviors that promote health, well-being, and human dignity.

Section 2: Amends Chapter 76, Sec. 1

Private schools seeking approval must demonstrate instruction in all required studies is thorough, efficient, and shows progress comparable to public schools.
Private schools must incorporate a mental health education program per Section 3.
Approval shall not be withheld due to religious teaching.
Cities and towns may appropriate funds to transport students to and from approved schools, for safety and access.

Affected Parties

Public school students in Massachusetts (all grades) would receive mandatory mental health education.

Public school districts and school committees (curriculum development, teacher training, assessment alignment).

Private schools seeking state approval would need to meet mental health education requirements and maintain parity with public schools regarding curriculum quality.

Families and students in private schools, including considerations for transportation funding to access approved schools.

State agencies (e.g., Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) overseeing curriculum standards and school approvals.

Procedural & Timeline Aspects

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Referred to: Education (initial referral); Senate concurrence noted in materials.

Hearing: Scheduled July 21, 2025, Gardner Auditorium.

Legislative progress: Reported favorably by committee and referred to House Ways and Means (noting a subsequent referral to Ways and Means for funding considerations).

Related matter: Similar bill filed previously (HD 1483; see House 497 of 2023-2024).

Implementation Notes

The bill envisions systematic integration of mental health education across all grades, coordinated with physical health education.

Funding implications would likely be determined during the Ways and Means process and the annual state budget.

Practical implementation would involve curriculum development, teacher professional development, and alignment with existing health education standards.

Additional Context

The bill’s language preserves religious teaching as a consideration in private school accreditation, and it explicitly allows transportation funding to approved schools for student safety.

Cross-reference: Similar matter previously filed (HD 1483; replaces), indicating ongoing legislative attention to mental health education in MA.

Bill