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HF 61

Requirements for students with mental illness modified, mental health instruction required, youth sports program training on mental illness and suicide prevention provided, and requirements of the statewide plan on restrictive procedures modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Clardy and 4 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill requiring schools to teach mental health, training youth sports staff on suicide prevention, and modifying student protections from restrictive school procedures.

Author added Gottfried
#athletics #educationandeducationdepartment #mentalhealthandrelatedconditions
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 61

Legislative bill overview

HF 61 modifies Minnesota's approach to student mental health by requiring mental health instruction in schools, mandating youth sports program training on mental illness and suicide prevention, and updating protections for students with mental illness. The bill also modifies state requirements regarding restrictive procedures in educational settings.

Why is this important

Mental health crises among youth have intensified nationally and in Minnesota, making preventive education and early intervention increasingly critical. Training youth sports coaches and staff on mental health recognition and suicide prevention can identify at-risk students in trusted environments, while standardized mental health instruction ensures all students receive consistent information. Updated protections for students with mental illness help prevent harmful restrictive practices in schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and teacher training: Schools may face significant expenses training educators to deliver quality mental health instruction and ensuring they have necessary expertise
  • Scope of "restrictive procedures" modifications: Disagreement likely exists over how restrictive procedures should be defined, limited, or eliminated—balancing student safety with behavioral management needs
  • Sports program mandate feasibility: Youth organizations and coaches may resist additional training requirements without corresponding funding or concerns about liability expansion

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

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