HF61 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Requirements for students with mental illness modified, mental health instruction required, youth sports program training on mental illness and suicide prevention provided, and requirements of the statewide plan on restrictive procedures modified.
Related bill: SF1952
AI Generated Summary
This legislative bill addresses various aspects of mental health and safety in education and youth sports within Minnesota. Here’s a breakdown of its main points:
Mental Health Education in Schools:
- Schools are encouraged to provide mental health instruction for students in grades 4 through 12. This instruction should align with local health standards and be integrated into existing curricula or school environments.
- The Department of Education, in consultation with other relevant authorities and organizations, will provide resources for this education, including model activities and a directory for planning mental health instruction.
- Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, it will be mandatory for schools to provide this mental health instruction using approved curricula.
Youth Sports Programs:
- Information on concussion risks and management must be accessible to all coaches, officials, and participants in youth sports programs.
- Mandatory training for coaches and officials in recognizing and managing concussions and mental illness in youth athletes, including key warning signs and suicide prevention strategies.
- Specific protocols are outlined for removing an athlete from play if a concussion is suspected and criteria for their return to play.
Restrictive Procedures in Schools:
- The use of physical holding or seclusion in schools is regulated strictly to emergency situations, requiring documentation and oversight to ensure it is used correctly and safely.
- Strict guidelines are set for the environment where seclusion may occur, including room specifications and monitoring requirements.
- Annual recommendations and reports to the legislature on reducing the use of such procedures and improving the practices overall.
The overarching aim of this bill is to promote a safer and healthier environment in both educational and athletic settings for Minnesota’s youth, with a strong emphasis on awareness, prevention, and management of mental health issues.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 09, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Education Policy |
| February 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| February 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| March 19, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requirement for mental health instruction approved by the Department of Education starting in the 2026-2027 school year."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies mental health education requirements under section 120B.21.",
"modified": [
"Encourages integration of mental health instruction into district programs or the general school environment."
]
},
"citation": "120B.21"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Training on key warning signs of mental illness in children and adolescents and suicide prevention."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies youth sports program requirements under section 121A.37.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "121A.37"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Annual recommendations for reducing restrictive procedures."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies the requirements related to physical holding or seclusion in schools under section 125A.0942.",
"modified": [
"Requirements for reporting and documentation on the use of physical holding or seclusion."
]
},
"citation": "125A.0942"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Section 121A.582 is referenced concerning the use of reasonable force related to restrictive procedures.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "121A.582"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Section 604A.11 is mentioned concerning liability protection in youth sports programs.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "604A.11"
}
]