Delaware 150th General Assembly (2019-2020) Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 14 D · 6 R cosponsors

HB 100 — AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FREE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Last action — Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 150th General Assembly (2019-2020). It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

This Act establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware elementary schools. The unit is at a ratio of 250 full-time equivalent students grades K-5 for a full-time school counselor, school social worker, or licensed clinical social worker. Additionally a unit ratio of 700 full time equivalent students for grades K-5 for employment of a full-time school psychologist. This Act defines “mental health services” as prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in elementary schools. Mental Health disorders are the most common health problem for school aged youth. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five youth are affected by a mental health disorder. Additionally, 50% of lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14. Untreated mental illness leads to negative outcomes including increased risk of dropout, homelessness, substance abuse, other chronic illnesses, incarceration, and possibly suicide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, ninety percent of people who have taken their own life have had an underlying mental health condition, and suicides are on the rise. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicides are now the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14. Delaware schools need trained and experienced mental health professionals to provide prevention and support programs and services to students. Currently, as reported by Delaware school districts, 86% of elementary schools do not employ a school social worker, and ratios of students to school counselors and school psychologists far exceed national best practices. This bill will lower ratios and increase access to mental health services for elementary school students.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This Act establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware elementary schools to improve student access to mental health services by setting specific student-to-mental health professional ratios.

  • § 1716E

    For employment of a full-time school counselor or school social worker or a licensed clinical social worker who is certified by the Delaware Department of Education as a school social worker.

    Defines the role of counselors and social workers within the mental health services unit.

  • § 1716E

    1 unit for each 250 full-time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades K through 5

    Establishes a funding unit for each 250 elementary students to hire mental health professionals.

  • § 1716E

    1 unit for each 700 full time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades K through 5 for employment of full-time school psychologists.

    Sets a separate funding unit for hiring school psychologists at a ratio of 700 students.

  • § 1716E

    “Mental health services” means prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in elementary school.

    Defines mental health services to include specific types of support for elementary students.

  • § 1716E

    Funds appropriated by this unit shall be used for employment of full-time school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists that hold the appropriate licensure and certifications under Chapter 12 of this title.

    Specifies how funding must be used for hiring qualified mental health professionals.

  • § 1716E

    School counselors shall be required to provide services that are aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.

    Mandates school counselors to follow national professional standards in their services.

  • § 1716E

    School social workers shall be required to provide services aligned to the National Association of School Social Work school social work standards.

    Ensures that school social workers adhere to established professional standards.

  • § 1716E

    School psychologists shall be required to provide services aligned with the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services.

    Requires school psychologists to comply with recognized professional practices.

  • § 1716E

    Funds received under this provision must be used for the purchase of materials or services from to be used in support of preventative and responsive mental health services herein authorized, and for no other purpose.

    Restricts the use of funds to ensure they support mental health services.

Action History

  1. Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House

  2. Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 2 Favorable, 11 On Its Merits

  3. Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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11 sponsors · 25 co-sponsors · 26 not signed on

Sponsors (11)

Co-sponsors (25)

Not signed on (26)

26 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

healthcare education
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 100 do?
This Act establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware elementary schools. The unit is at a ratio of 250 full-time equivalent students grades K-5 for a full-time school counselor, school social worker, or licensed clinical social worker. Additionally a unit ratio of 700 full time equivalent students for grades K-5 for employment of a full-time school psychologist. This Act defines “mental health services” as prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in elementary schools. Mental Health disorders are the most common health problem for school aged youth. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five youth are affected by a mental health disorder. Additionally, 50% of lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14. Untreated mental illness leads to negative outcomes including increased risk of dropout, homelessness, substance abuse, other chronic illnesses, incarceration, and possibly suicide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, ninety percent of people who have taken their own life have had an underlying mental health condition, and suicides are on the rise. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicides are now the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14. Delaware schools need trained and experienced mental health professionals to provide prevention and support programs and services to students. Currently, as reported by Delaware school districts, 86% of elementary schools do not employ a school social worker, and ratios of students to school counselors and school psychologists far exceed national best practices. This bill will lower ratios and increase access to mental health services for elementary school students.
Who sponsors HB 100?
HB 100 is sponsored by Michael F. Smith (Republican), Bryan W. Shupe (Republican), Charles S Postles Jr. (Republican), Melissa Minor-Brown (Democratic), Sean M. Lynn (Democratic), Kendra Johnson (Democratic), Kevin S Hensley (Republican), Krista Griffith (Democratic), Timothy D. Dukes (Republican), Franklin D. Cooke (Democratic), Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha (Democratic), Nicole Poore (Democratic), Kimberly Williams (Democratic), Edward S. Osienski (Democratic), Debra Heffernan (Democratic), William Bush (Democratic), Bryan Townsend (Democratic), Laura V. Sturgeon, David P. Sokola (Democratic), S. Elizabeth Lockman (Democratic), Jeffrey N. Spiegelman (Republican), Paul S. Baumbach, Gerald L. Brady, Earl G. Jaques Jr., John A. Kowalko, Sean Matthews, John L. Mitchell, Michael Ramone, Raymond Seigfried, John J. Viola, Valerie Longhurst, Harris B. McDowell, Ruth Briggs King, Catherine Cloutier, Anthony Delcollo, and Ernesto B Lopez.
What is the current status of HB 100?
This bill died with 150th General Assembly (2019-2020). It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 100?
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