Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act

Bill Number: H.R. 4186
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Education
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-06-26: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-06-03T08:06:41Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act" (H.R. 4186) aims to improve access to mental and behavioral health services for elementary and secondary school students, particularly those in rural areas or without easy access to care, by funding telehealth programs through federal grants.

Key Provisions

Grant Program: The Secretary of Education, working with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will award grants to eligible entities to support student mental and behavioral health via telehealth (the use of electronic and telecommunications tools for remote health care, education, and administration).
Eligible Entities: Partnerships between a local educational agency (school district or group of districts) or educational service agency (regional support organization for schools) and a community health care provider (such as a university health system that accepts Medicaid payments).
Use of Funds:
Buy or upgrade equipment (physical or technological) for telehealth programs focused on mental and behavioral health.
Provide space and staff to run these programs in schools.
Hire or compensate additional staff to manage the programs.
Application Requirements: Entities must submit a plan detailing their telehealth program and assure compliance with privacy laws for student data (e.g., protecting personal information).
Award Priorities: Preference for applicants serving high-poverty schools, rural schools, or schools in health professional shortage areas (regions with limited medical professionals, as defined under federal law).
Implementation Timeline: The program must start within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
Funding Rules: Grants supplement (add to) existing federal, state, and local funds, rather than replacing them.
Reporting Requirement: By September 30, 2027, the Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Services must submit a joint report to Congress and the public on the program's impact (e.g., number of students served via telehealth, without revealing personal details) and recommendations for future improvements or expansion.
Funding Authorization: $5 million per fiscal year from 2026 through 2029.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new grant program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act framework, without directly amending prior laws. It builds on existing definitions (e.g., for schools and agencies) and integrates with privacy protections under laws like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Medicaid rules, but adds specific telehealth funding for school-based mental health that was not previously authorized at this scale.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The Departments of Education and Health and Human Services will manage grant applications, awards, and reporting, potentially increasing administrative workload but fostering coordination between education and health sectors.
On Citizens: Students in underserved schools (especially rural, high-poverty, or shortage areas) gain better access to remote mental health services, which could reduce barriers to care and support well-being without needing off-site travel.
On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. education and health systems.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Students: Primary beneficiaries, particularly in elementary and secondary schools facing mental health access gaps.
Schools and Educators: Local educational agencies and educational service agencies gain resources for telehealth infrastructure and staffing.
Health Providers: Community health care providers partner in programs, expanding their reach through school-based telehealth.
Underserved Communities: Rural, high-poverty, and health shortage areas see prioritized support, addressing inequities in mental health care.
Federal Agencies: Departments of Education and Health and Human Services handle program oversight and evaluation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Emphasizes privacy compliance for student data, aligning with federal protections to avoid violations; the "supplement, not supplant" rule prevents misuse of funds and ensures additionality.
Constitutional: Supports the federal role in education and public health under the General Welfare Clause, without infringing on state authority over schools.
Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from both parties) suggests broad appeal for addressing youth mental health post-pandemic; the modest funding level ($5 million annually) may limit scope but eases passage, with the 2027 report enabling future expansions based on evidence.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]

Cosponsors (13)

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17]

Recent Actions

2025-06-26: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-06-26: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-06-26: Introduced in House
2025-06-26: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act — issued 2025-06-26 — PDF (6 pages)