HF4198

Purpose

This bill provides funding from the state general fund to support student mental health by awarding grants to organizations that work with elementary and secondary school students.

Main provisions

• Grant program: The Department of Education’s commissioner must award grants to organizations that serve elementary or secondary students and help them improve mental health.
• Activities funded: Programs must create opportunities for students to disconnect from electronic devices and social media, be physically active, participate in collaborative experiences, and form in-person relationships with other students.
• Outcome requirement: Grant recipients must demonstrate that their programs improve mental health outcomes for students.
• Administration: The commissioner of education is responsible for awarding these grants to eligible organizations.
• Funding term: This is a one-time appropriation and the funds are available until June 30, 2029.

Financial and implementation details

• Source of funds: General fund.
• Timing: Available for the designated fiscal year and remaining period until 2029, as a one-time allocation.

Significance and changes to existing law

• Creates a targeted, one-time funding stream specifically for student mental health grants to organizations, emphasizing activities that reduce screen time, promote physical activity, and foster in-person social connections to support mental health outcomes in students.

How success is measured

• Programs must show evidence that they improve mental health outcomes for elementary and secondary students.

Relevant Terms - student mental health grants - Department of Education - general fund - one-time appropriation - available until June 30, 2029 - elementary school students - secondary school students - disconnect from electronic devices - social media - physically active - collaborative experiences - in-person relationships - mental health outcomes - grant applicant - commissioner of education - organizations