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Bill

HB 451

Universities and colleges; require to provide mental health assessments to members of school athletic teams.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Hines

Mississippi bill requires universities to conduct mental health assessments for all student-athletes to identify and support those at risk of psychological distress.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 451

Legislative bill overview

HB 451 would mandate that universities and colleges in Mississippi provide mental health assessments to all members of school athletic teams. The bill requires institutions to implement these evaluations as part of their athletic programs, presumably during pre-participation screening or periodic check-ins throughout the season.

Why is this important

College athletes face significant mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicide risk at rates comparable to or exceeding the general student population. Early identification through mandatory assessments could enable timely intervention and support, potentially preventing crises and improving overall athlete wellness alongside physical safety protocols already standard in sports medicine.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and resource burden: Schools would bear expenses for assessments and must employ or contract qualified mental health professionals, potentially straining already-limited athletic department budgets
  • Privacy and stigma concerns: Mandatory mental health screening could discourage honest self-reporting due to confidentiality worries, NCAA eligibility concerns, or fear of losing playing time
  • Implementation gaps: The bill lacks specificity on who conducts assessments, what standards apply, follow-up care requirements, and how results are documented and protected, creating enforcement and compliance ambiguity

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

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