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Bill

S 5024

Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Gallivan and 7 co-sponsors

Bill S 5024 mandates the Department of Education to set student-to-health professional ratios in public schools, ensuring better access to vital health and mental health services.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · S 5024

Summary of Bill S 5024

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 5024
  • Title: Requires the Department of Education to Develop School Health and Mental Health Professionals to Student Ratios in Public Schools
  • Status: Referred to Education
  • Introduced: February 18, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of Bill S 5024 is to enhance the availability and accessibility of health and mental health services in public schools. By establishing specific ratios of health and mental health professionals to students, the bill seeks to ensure that students receive adequate support for their physical and emotional well-being.

Key Provisions

  • Development of Ratios: The bill mandates the Department of Education to create standardized ratios for health and mental health professionals in public schools. This includes professionals such as school nurses, counselors, psychologists, and social workers.
  • Implementation Timeline: While the bill does not specify a timeline for the implementation of these ratios, it emphasizes the need for timely action to address current gaps in student support services.
  • Assessment of Needs: The Department of Education will be required to assess the current needs of students in relation to health and mental health services, which will inform the development of the ratios.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The bill is designed to directly benefit students by ensuring they have access to necessary health and mental health resources.
  • Schools: Public schools will be impacted as they may need to adjust staffing and resource allocation to meet the new ratios.
  • Health and Mental Health Professionals: The bill may lead to an increase in demand for qualified professionals in schools, potentially affecting hiring practices and job availability in this sector.

Related Legislation

  • S 7558: A related bill from the prior session that may address similar issues or provide context for the current legislation.
  • A 610: A companion bill that may offer parallel provisions or support for the initiatives outlined in S 5024.

Conclusion

Bill S 5024 represents a significant step towards improving the health and mental health support systems within public schools. By establishing clear ratios for professionals, the bill aims to create a more supportive environment for students, addressing their health and emotional needs effectively. The bill is currently under consideration in the Education Committee, and further developments will be monitored as it progresses through the legislative process.

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

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