PEER Mental Health Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 1448

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-07-14T15:21:11Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Peer Education and Emergency Response for Mental Health Act of 2025 (PEER Mental Health Act of 2025) aims to improve mental health support in schools by authorizing federal grants for training programs. These programs focus on teaching people in school communities—such as teachers, students, and parents—how to spot early signs of mental health issues in children and teens, connect them to help, and respond to urgent situations using basic mental health first aid techniques (similar to CPR for physical emergencies).

Key Provisions

• Grant Awards: The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, will provide grants to eligible organizations to:
• Train teachers, school staff (including support roles like aides), students, parents, and caregivers to:
• Identify symptoms of mental health conditions in youth.
• Refer affected students to professional mental health services.
• Spot signs of immediate mental distress and use simple first aid responses.
• Educate participants about local community resources for mental health support.
• Eligibility and Flexibility: Grants can be awarded alongside other existing mental health training funds. Eligible recipients include elementary and secondary schools, local educational agencies (school districts), and state educational agencies.
• Priority for Rural Areas: At least 25% of grant funds each year must go to rural schools or agencies serving them. Unused portions for rural areas can be redirected to other eligible recipients.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit a plan to evaluate their programs' effectiveness. HHS will simplify the application to reduce barriers, especially for smaller organizations with limited staff.
• Support from HHS: The agency will offer technical help, including sharing best practices for training and education.
• Funding: Authorizes $24,963,000 annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to implement the program.
• Definitions: Uses standard terms from education law (e.g., "elementary school" means grades K-8; "rural area" follows federal health grant definitions for underserved places).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill adds a new section (520J-1) to Title V of the Public Health Service Act, creating a dedicated grant program for peer-led mental health first aid in schools. It builds on but does not replace existing mental health awareness grants (like those under section 520J), allowing schools to access both. No existing programs are altered or repealed; this expands federal support specifically for school-based, community-driven training.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: HHS will need to manage grant distribution, evaluations, technical assistance, and rural funding priorities, potentially increasing administrative workload but also advancing national mental health goals.
• On Citizens: Students, especially in underserved or rural areas, may benefit from earlier detection and response to mental health issues, reducing stigma and improving access to care. Parents and educators gain tools to support youth mental well-being, potentially leading to better school environments and fewer crises.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. education and health policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Schools and Educators: Elementary/secondary schools, teachers, and support staff who receive training and implement programs.
• Students and Families: Children, teens, parents, and caregivers in school communities, particularly those in rural or low-resource areas.
• Educational Agencies: Local school districts and state education departments that apply for and manage grants.
• Federal Government: HHS, which oversees funding and support.
• Mental Health Providers: Community organizations that may see increased referrals from trained school personnel.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill aligns with existing federal authority under the Public Health Service Act to fund mental health initiatives, with no conflicts noted. It emphasizes evaluation to ensure accountability for taxpayer funds.
• Constitutional: No apparent challenges; it supports the federal role in public health and education without infringing on state or individual rights.
• Political: Promotes bipartisan mental health priorities by targeting youth and rural needs, potentially influencing future education and health funding debates. It could set a precedent for integrating mental health training into standard school practices, encouraging similar state-level efforts.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-02-21: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Peer Education and Emergency Response for Mental Health Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-21 — PDF (5 pages)