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Bill

HB 495

School boards; mental health awareness training, anonymous student reporting system.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia school boards must train staff on mental health awareness and establish anonymous student reporting systems for mental health concerns.

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute and referring to Appropriations (7-Y 3-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 495

Legislative bill overview

HB 495 requires Virginia school boards to implement mandatory mental health awareness training for staff and establish anonymous student reporting systems for mental health concerns. The bill aims to create early intervention pathways for students experiencing mental health crises while training educators to recognize warning signs.

Why is this important

Mental health crises among students have increased significantly, with schools serving as critical touchpoints for intervention. Anonymous reporting systems can encourage at-risk students to seek help without fear of stigma, while staff training ensures educators can properly identify and respond to mental health issues rather than treating them as purely disciplinary matters.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: The fiscal impact statement indicates funding requirements; school districts may face budget pressures, particularly in under-resourced areas, raising questions about state versus local financial responsibility
  • Anonymous reporting system design: Balancing genuine anonymity with the need to follow up on serious threats (suicide risk, violence) creates operational and legal complexities; unclear protocols could render the system ineffective
  • Training scope and mandate: Requiring all staff mental health training increases administrative burden; concerns exist about whether one-size-fits-all training adequately addresses diverse student populations and specific disorders

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

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