WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 2380

Permits certain mental health professionals working in school districts to refer or help facilitate referral of students to professional counselors.*

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 3 co-sponsors

Bill S 2380 allows school mental health professionals to refer students to private counselors, improving access to mental health services for students in New Jersey.

Reported out of Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading
#mentalhealt #schboards
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2380

Summary of Bill S 2380

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 2380
  • Title: Permits certain mental health professionals working in school districts to refer or help facilitate referral of students to private professional counselors.
  • Status: Reported out of Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading
  • Introduced: January 29, 2024
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Mental Health, School Boards

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2380 aims to enhance mental health support for students in New Jersey public schools by allowing designated mental health professionals to refer students to private counselors. This initiative seeks to improve access to mental health assessments and services, addressing the growing need for mental health resources among students.

Key Provisions

  1. Referral Authority:

    • Student assistance coordinators, school psychologists, and other mental health professionals in school districts are authorized to refer students to licensed private counselors for mental health assessments and services.
    • Principals and school counselors may also facilitate referrals after consulting with a mental health professional.

  2. Consent Requirements:

    • If a student is not legally able to consent to mental health services, the student's parent or guardian must be notified and provide consent before any assessment or service is rendered.

  3. Cost Responsibility:

    • The bill stipulates that neither the school district nor the individual making the referral will be responsible for the costs associated with the mental health assessments or services provided to the student.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be students in public schools who require mental health support.
  • Mental Health Professionals: School-based mental health professionals will gain the authority to facilitate referrals, thereby expanding their role in student mental health care.
  • Parents/Guardians: They will be involved in the consent process for students who cannot legally consent on their own.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Education Committee on January 29, 2024.
  • As of November 10, 2025, the bill has been reported out of the Senate Committee with amendments and is currently in its second reading.

Related Legislation

  • A 1657: This bill serves as a companion to S 2380, potentially addressing similar issues in the Assembly.

Conclusion

Bill S 2380 represents a significant step towards improving mental health services in New Jersey public schools by enabling timely referrals to private counseling services. By clarifying the roles of school mental health professionals and ensuring parental involvement, the bill aims to foster a supportive environment for students facing mental health challenges.

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

Sign in to ask a question.