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Bill

S 376

Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Richard Blumenthal and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 376 mandates the Department of Education to report on school mental health professionals, improving student access to support and ensuring adequate staffing in schools.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 376

Summary of Bill S 376

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 376
  • Title: Requires the Department of Education to Report Information Regarding Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists in Schools
  • Status: Referred to Education
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 376 aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding the mental health support services available in schools. By mandating the Department of Education to collect and report detailed information about school counselors, social workers, and psychologists, the bill seeks to ensure that educational institutions are adequately staffed with mental health professionals and that students have access to necessary support services.

Key Provisions

  • Reporting Requirements: The bill requires the Department of Education to compile and publish data on:

    • The number of counselors, social workers, and psychologists employed in schools.
    • The qualifications and certifications of these professionals.
    • The student-to-counselor ratios across different school districts.
    • The types of services provided by these professionals, including mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and support for students with special needs.

  • Frequency of Reports: The Department of Education will be required to submit these reports annually, ensuring that stakeholders have up-to-date information on mental health resources in schools.

  • Data Accessibility: The information collected will be made publicly available, allowing parents, educators, and policymakers to assess the availability and effectiveness of mental health services in schools.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students who will have improved access to mental health support services.
  • School Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists: These professionals will be recognized and accounted for in the educational system, potentially leading to increased funding and resources for mental health services.
  • Parents and Guardians: Families will have access to information regarding the mental health resources available to their children, enabling them to make informed decisions about their children's educational environments.
  • School Districts and Administrators: School districts will need to comply with the reporting requirements, which may influence staffing and resource allocation decisions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 08, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Education Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is linked to several prior-session bills (A 10387, A 3576, S 8566, S 1577) and has a companion bill (A 8390), indicating ongoing legislative interest in the topic of mental health support in schools.

Conclusion

Bill S 376 represents a significant step toward improving mental health resources in educational settings. By requiring the Department of Education to report on the availability and qualifications of mental health professionals in schools, the bill aims to foster a more supportive environment for students, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and academic success.

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

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