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Bill

SB 768

School-based mental and behavioral health services; DOE to survey local education agencies, report.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Favola and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia directs schools to report mental health service capacity to the state education department by December 2025 to identify statewide service gaps and needs.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0239)
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Bill Summary · SB 768

Legislative bill overview

SB 768 directs the Virginia Department of Education to survey local education agencies (school districts) about their current mental and behavioral health services and compile findings into a comprehensive report. The bill requires this survey and reporting be completed by December 1, 2025, establishing a baseline of what mental health resources currently exist in Virginia schools.

Why is this important

Mental health challenges among students have increased significantly, yet schools often lack clear understanding of available resources across districts. This survey creates state-level data on service gaps, capacity, and disparities, which can inform future funding decisions and policy interventions. The information gathered will help identify which districts have inadequate support and where investments are most needed.

Potential points of contention

  • Data collection burden: Schools already face significant administrative demands; this survey adds another reporting requirement that may strain already-stretched staff
  • Limited scope of action: The bill only mandates a survey and report—it doesn't fund new services or guarantee follow-up implementation, so results could sit unused without accompanying appropriations
  • Variability in responses: Districts may interpret survey questions differently or lack accurate data on their own services, resulting in incomplete or inconsistent findings that limit usefulness

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

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