H 598
An Act relative to the promotion of mental health education
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- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to expand mental health education in Massachusetts public schools. It seeks to ensure that students receive comprehensive instruction on mental health topics, including recognizing and addressing mental health challenges, promoting help-seeking behaviors, and fostering supportive school environments. The legislation encourages schools to integrate mental health education into existing curricula and provides resources for educators to effectively deliver these lessons. Ultimately, the goal is to improve students' mental well-being and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Key provisions
- Requires public schools to provide mental health education to students.
- Encourages the integration of mental health topics into existing curriculum subjects.
- Supports the development of resources for educators on mental health education.
- Promotes awareness and understanding of mental health challenges.
- Focuses on strategies for seeking help and support.
- Aims to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
- Mandates the creation of a mental health education toolkit for schools.
- Requires school districts to report on the implementation of mental health education programs.
Who is affected
- Students
- Public School Educators
- School Districts
- Parents/Guardians
- Mental Health Professionals
Notable changes
- This bill mandates mental health education in public schools, building upon previous attempts to address this need.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Natalie M. Higgins
Cosponsors
Adrianne Pusateri Ramos
James B. Eldridge
Lindsay N. Sabadosa
Meghan K. Kilcoyne
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.598 194th (Current)
An Act relative to the promotion of mental health education
By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Kilcoyne of Clinton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 598) of Natalie M. Higgins, Meghan K. Kilcoyne and others relative to the promotion of mental health education in public schools. Education.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Natalie M. Higgins , Meghan K. Kilcoyne Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.598
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Education |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 7/10/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/21/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium |
| 10/2/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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