Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8979
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-21: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:05:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation establishes a new federal grant program to increase the number of school-based mental health services providers in high-need public elementary and secondary schools, aiming to improve access to mental health support for students.
Key Provisions
- Grant Structure: The Secretary of Education reserves portions of funds for Bureau of Indian Education schools, outlying areas, and program administration. The remaining funds go to states via formula grants based on Title I allocations under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, with a minimum allocation for small states.
- State Requirements: States must provide a 20% match and submit applications detailing subgrant processes and current student-to-provider ratios. Grants last 5 years and can be renewed based on progress.
- Subgrants to Local Educational Agencies: States award competitive subgrants to local educational agencies to recruit, retain, or contract with providers (such as counselors, psychologists, or social workers) for high-need schools. Priority goes to agencies serving many high-need schools, with a focus on schools with high percentages of low-income students.
- Goals and Ratios: Subgrants support efforts to meet recommended maximum ratios of 250 students per counselor, 500 per psychologist, and 250 per social worker.
- Reporting: Local educational agencies submit annual reports on provider numbers and ratios; states compile these into reports for the Secretary, which are shared with Congress and made public.
- Funding: Authorizes $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and such sums as necessary thereafter. Funds must supplement, not replace, existing resources.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill creates a standalone grant program without directly amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. It introduces new federal funding mechanisms and reporting requirements specifically targeted at school mental health staffing, building on but separate from existing education funding streams.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Expands the Department of Education's role in administering grants, providing technical assistance, and overseeing reports. State and local educational agencies gain resources but face new application, matching, and reporting obligations.
- Citizens: Aims to enhance mental health services for students in high-need schools, potentially improving access for those with anxiety, depression, or other conditions.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State educational agencies and local educational agencies.
- High-need public elementary and secondary schools.
- School-based mental health services providers (including counselors, psychologists, social workers, and community organizations).
- Students and families in high-need schools.
- The Department of Education and Bureau of Indian Education.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within established federal authority for education grants and does not raise apparent constitutional issues. It emphasizes federal support for state and local efforts without mandating changes to existing laws, focusing instead on voluntary participation through competitive and formula-based funding.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22]
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-21: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-05-21: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act — issued 2026-05-21 — PDF (12 pages)