How HR 721 changes current law

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This bill revises and extends provisions for school-based mental health services for children under the Public Health Service Act.

• 42 U.S.C. 290hh

  Section 581 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290hh) (relating to children and violence) is amended to read as follows: → SEC. 581. SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH; CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall, through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements awarded to eligible entities described in subsection (c), provide comprehensive school-based mental health services and supports to assist children in local communities and schools (including schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education) dealing with traumatic experiences, grief, bereavement, risk of suicide, and violence. Such services and supports shall be-- (1) developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate; (2) trauma-informed; and (3) incorporate positive behavioral interventions and supports.

  This change establishes a new framework for providing comprehensive mental health services targeting children's needs in schools.

• 42 U.S.C. 290hh

  the part designation and heading → PART G--SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH

  This updates the section designation to reflect the focus on school-based mental health.

• 42 U.S.C. 290kk et seq.

  the second part G (relating to services provided through religious organizations) → part J

  This change renames and reclassifies the existing part G to part J.

• 42 U.S.C. 290kk et seq.

  sections 581 through 584 → sections 596 through 596C

  This changes the numbering of the existing sections to create room for the new provisions.

• 42 U.S.C. 290hh

  Grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements awarded under subsection (a), shall, as appropriate, be used for-- → Grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements awarded under subsection (a), shall, as appropriate, be used for--

  This maintains language that outlines funding purposes while introducing additional specificity.

• 42 U.S.C. 290hh

  development of programs described in paragraph (1); → development of programs described in paragraph (1);

  This reinforces the commitment to develop effective mental health programs within schools.

• 42 U.S.C. 290hh

  in the same manner that such section applies to an educational agency or institution (as that term is defined in such section). → in the same manner that such section applies to an educational agency or institution (as that term is defined in such section).

  This ensures compliance with privacy regulations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

• 42 U.S.C. 290hh

  $130,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025. → $130,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025.

  This sets forth the authorized appropriations for the implementation of mental health services.