CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5553

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-10-03T04:23:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose This legislation aims to expand access to federal grants for mental health and substance use disorder services by making area career and technical education schools eligible for funding previously limited to colleges and universities.

Key Provisions

• The bill amends Section 520E-2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb-36b).
• It replaces references to "institution of higher education" with the new term "covered institution" in all relevant subsections.
• It adds a definition of "covered institution" that includes:
• Area career and technical education schools, as defined in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.
• Institutions of higher education, as defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Significant Changes to Existing Law The amendment broadens eligibility for mental health and substance use disorder service grants. Previously, only traditional colleges and universities could apply; the change now allows area career and technical education schools to participate on the same terms.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies, such as those within the Department of Health and Human Services that administer these grants, may see an increase in eligible applicants and funding requests.
• Students attending career and technical education programs could gain improved access to on-site or supported mental health and substance use services.
• No direct effects on international relations are indicated in the bill.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Area career and technical education schools and their students.
• Institutions of higher education.
• Federal grant administrators and mental health service providers.
• State and local education agencies involved in career and technical education.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill represents a routine expansion of grant eligibility through amendment of existing public health law. It raises no apparent constitutional concerns and operates within Congress's authority to modify federal funding programs.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-09-23: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-23: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act — issued 2025-09-23 — PDF (3 pages)