Delaware 152nd General Assembly (2023-2024) Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 13 D · 2 R cosponsors

HB 200 — AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

Last action — Signed by Governor

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

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced April 25, 2023. Enacted.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 21 sponsors

    21 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (13 D · 2 R) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Summary

This Act establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware high schools. The unit is phased in over 3 years, beginning in FY2024, to arrive at a final ratio of 250 full-time equivalent students grades 9-12 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 9-12 for employment of a full-time school psychologist. This Act defines “mental health services” as prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in high 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. This bill will lower ratios of students to counselors and increase access to mental health services for high school students. Districts and charters should prioritize the hiring of school counselors who provide mental health services over those who provide career counseling. Conforming changes are also made to code sections dealing with mental health units for elementary and middle school students. This Act also creates a reimbursement program to encourage current school employees to gain certifications or professional licensure in critical need mental health areas.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

241 added · 16 removed

241 line(s) added, 16 removed.

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Chukwuocha HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE AMENDMENT NO.
Heffernan & Rep.
1 TO HOUSE BILL NO.
Minor-Brown & Rep.
200 AMEND House Bill No.
Michael Smith & Rep.
200 by deleting lines 166 and 167 in their entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
Romer & Rep.
“(2) In filling positions supported by this section, the hiring and placement of school counselors who provide mental health services, including services that are aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, shall be prioritized over those who solely provide career counseling.”.
Bush & Rep.
FURTHER AMEND House Bill No.
Dorsey Walker & Sen.
200 by inserting after line 185 and before line 186 the following:
Pinkney Reps.
“(3) Have signed a written commitment to work in a Delaware school for at least 3 years after receiving the certification or licensure for which they receive reimbursement under this section.”.
Chukwuocha, Hensley, Hilovsky, Lambert, S.
SYNOPSIS This Act provides clarification regarding services offered by school counselors and requires applicants for the mental health critical need reimbursement program to commit to working in Delaware schools for at least 3 years following receipt of license or certification.
Moore, Morrison, Neal, Osienski, Parker Selby, Dukes, Griffith;
Sens.
Gay, Hansen, Hoffner, Huxtable, Mantzavinos, S.
McBride, Sturgeon HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE BILL NO.
200 AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.
WHEREAS, 1 in 5 school students suffer from a mental health disorder;
and WHEREAS, 11% of youth have a mood disorder, 10% of youth have a behavior or conduct disorder, and 8% of youth have an anxiety disorder;
and WHEREAS, 45% of children have had a potentially traumatic experience;
and WHEREAS, of young children who show early signs of challenging behavior, fewer than 10% receive mental health services, resulting in less than 1/3 of the children and adolescents with a diagnosable mental health condition receiving any type of treatment;
and WHEREAS, 50% of all lifelong cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and 37% of students with a mental health condition at age 14 and older, drop out of school which is the highest school dropout rate of any group of students with a disability;
and WHEREAS, 70% of youth in state juvenile systems have a mental illness;
and WHEREAS, youth with access to mental health services in school-based health centers are 10 times more likely to seek care for mental health or substance abuse than youth without access;
and WHEREAS, early intervention is critical to building life skills, resilience, and mental wellness;
and WHEREAS, leading counseling and mental health organizations, including the American School Counselor Association, the National Association of School Psychologists, and the School Social Worker Association of America recommend that schools maintain all of the following:
(a) A maximum student to school counselor ratio of 250 to 1.
(b) A maximum student to school social worker ratio of 250 to 1.
(c) A student to school psychologist ratio of 500 to 1;
and WHEREAS, Delaware high schools average ratios do not meet these standards;
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04/25/2023 12:10 PM WHEREAS, the American School Counselor Association National Model includes a strong foundation in social and emotional learning, direct and indirect counseling, and establishing positive mindsets and behaviors;
and WHEREAS, school counselors are prepared to address barriers and assess ways to maximize students’ success in schools, communities, and their family structure by offering education, prevention, and crisis and short-term intervention until the student is connected to available community resources;
and WHEREAS, many Delaware high schools do not employ a school social worker;
and WHEREAS, school social workers create and implement school-based programs to promote a positive school environment for all students, work with the entire student body to identify students in need of more intensive interventions, and connect these students to additional services in the community where needed;
and WHEREAS, school social workers serve as a resource to the principal and other educators by providing training on identifying students with mental health needs and providing a referral process when services are sought;
and WHEREAS, by working more closely with individual students and their families, school social workers also create a bridge between the school and the community by coordinating students with resources in the community.
This coordination is critical to a school’s success and by partnering with services in the community, social workers maximize limited resources, facilitate better delivery of services, and maintain communication between partners;
and WHEREAS, school psychologists provide services that promote a child’s communication and social skills, problem solving, anger management, conflict resolution, self-regulation, self-determination, resilience, and optimism;
and WHEREAS, school psychologists consult with teachers and administrators on effective classroom management strategies, promoting positive peer relationships and social problem-solving, school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports, effective discipline policies and practices, and programs to promote student wellness and reduce risk-taking;
and WHEREAS, school psychologists provide mental health services, including wellness and prevention programming, risk assessment and interventions, and counseling, which are proven to reduce discipline referrals and increase attendance and academic performance;
and WHEREAS, Delaware educators report that students come to school with significant unmet needs that impact the students’ ability to learn in school, such as hunger, homelessness, trauma, mental health issues;
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and WHEREAS, without adequate resources to support our students, these challenges manifest as frequent, and at times severe, disruptions in school that impact learning and affect all our students.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
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05/31/2023 01:35 PM 3501520113
04/25/2023 12:10 PM Section 1.
Amend Chapter 17, Title 14 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:
§ 1716E.
Mental health services unit and funding.
funding for elementary school.
(a) “Mental health services unit” for funding purposes means:
(1) One 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 or licensed other mental health therapist providers with experience in a school setting or experience providing direct services to school age children.
Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 700 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades K through 5.
(c) For purposes of this section, section:
(1) “Mental “mental health services” means prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in elementary school building.
(2) “Other mental health provider” means a mental health services provider licensed by the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency.
(d) Funds Except as set forth in subsection (f) of this section, funds appropriated by this unit shall be used for employment of full-time licensed mental health therapists providers who hold the appropriate license as required by the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals or school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists that hold the appropriate licensure and certifications under Chapter 12 of this title.
(1) School counselors shall be required to provide services that are aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, including the provisions related to indirect and direct services as those terms are defined by ASCA.
(2) School social workers shall be required to provide services aligned to the National Association of School Social Work school social work standards.
(3) 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.
(e) Funds cannot be used to supplant a unit currently allocated under this section unless a district or charter school has met or exceeded the ratios listed in subsection (a) of this section.
[Repealed.] (f) Funds appropriated in support of this unit shall be applied to the employment of a full-time certified, licensed school counselor, school social worker, licensed clinical social worker, school psychologist, or licensed mental health therapists Districts may pursue contracting out school psychologists and other mental health providers with approval of their governing board until such time as school psychologists are no longer designated by the Department of Education as HD :
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04/25/2023 12:10 PM 82 certification shortage area.
Districts or charter schools must combine fractional units to fund additional full-time mental health services staff to the extent possible.
Districts and charter schools may exercise a cash option consistent with the provisions of § 1716(g) of this title for any remaining fractional funding.
Funds received under this provision must be used for the purchase of materials or services to be used in support of preventative and responsive mental health services herein authorized, and for no other purpose.
§ 1716F.
Mental health services unit and funding for middle school.
(a) “Mental health services unit for middle school” for funding purposes means:
(4) One unit for each 700 full time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades 6 through 8, for employment of full-time school psychologists or licensed other mental health therapist provider with experience in a school setting or experience providing direct services to school age children.
Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 700 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades 6 through 8.
(c) For purposes of this section, “mental section:
(1) “Mental health services” means prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in middle school.
(2) “Other mental health provider” means a mental health services provider licensed by the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency.
(d) Funds Except as set forth in subsection (e) of this section, funds appropriated by this unit shall be used for employment of full-time licensed mental health therapists who hold the appropriate license as required by the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professional or school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists that hold the appropriate licensure and certifications under Chapter 12 of this title.
(e) Funds appropriated in support of this unit shall be applied to the employment of a full-time certified, licensed school counselor, school social worker, licensed clinical social worker, school psychologist, or licensed mental health therapist.
Districts may pursue contracting out school psychologists or other mental health providers with approval of their governing board until such time as school psychologists are no longer designated by the Department of Education as a certification shortage area.
Districts or charter schools must combine fractional units to fund additional full-time mental health services staff to the extent possible.
Districts and charter schools may exercise a cash option consistent with the provisions of § 1716(g) of this title for any remaining fractional funding.
Funds received under this provision must be used for the purchase of materials or services to be used in support of preventative and responsive mental health services herein authorized, and for no other purpose.
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04/25/2023 12:10 PM (g) (1) The Department shall provide a report to the Office of Management and Budget and to the Controller General detailing the number of positions filled by position type and number of school psychology positions and other mental health providers contracted for under this program at each eligible local education agency by December 30 of each year.
(2) Each district and charter school shall provide to the Department the number of positions filled by position type at each school and the number of school psychology positions and other mental health providers contracted for under this program by November 30 of each year.
§ 1716H.
Mental health services unit and funding for high school.
(a) “Mental health services unit for high school” for funding purposes means:
(1) In fiscal year 2024, 1 unit for each 400 full-time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades 9 through 12, for employment of a full-time school counselor, school social worker, or a licensed clinical social worker who is certified by the Delaware Department of Education as a school social worker.
Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 400 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades 9 through 12.
(2) In fiscal year 2025, 1 unit for each 325 full-time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades 9 through 12, for employment of a full-time school counselor, school social worker, or a licensed clinical social worker who is certified by the Delaware Department of Education as a school social worker.
Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 325 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades 9 through 12.
(3) Beginning in fiscal year 2026, 1 unit for each 250 full-time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades 9 through 12, for employment of a full-time school counselor, school social worker, or a licensed clinical social worker who is certified by the Delaware Department of Education as a school social worker.
Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 250 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades 6 through 8.
(4) One unit for each 700 full time equivalent students in a school district or charter school, grades 9 through 12, for employment of full-time school psychologists or other mental health providers with experience in a school setting or experience providing direct services to school age children.
Districts and charter schools shall qualify for funding for a fractional part of 700 full-time equivalent pupils enrolled in grades 9 through 12.
(b) Each pupil counted in establishing a unit for mental health services may be counted only once in a district or charter.
(c) For purposes of this section:
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04/25/2023 12:10 PM (1) “Mental health services” means prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in high school.
(2) “Other mental health provider” means a mental health services provider licensed by the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency.
(d) Except as set forth in subsection (e) of this section, funds appropriated by this unit shall be used for employment of full-time licensed mental health services providers who hold an appropriate license as required by the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals or school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists that hold the appropriate licensure and certifications under Chapter 12 of this title.
(1) School counselors are required to provide services that are aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, including the provisions related to indirect and direct services as those terms are defined by ASCA.
(2) School social workers are required to provide services aligned to the National Association of School Social Work school social work standards.
(3) School psychologists are required to provide services aligned with the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services.
(e) Funds appropriated in support of this unit shall be applied to the employment of a full-time certified, licensed school counselor, school social worker, licensed clinical social worker, school psychologist, or other mental health provider.
Districts may pursue contracting out school psychologists and other mental health providers with approval of their governing board until such time as school psychologists are no longer designated by the Department of Education as a certification shortage area.
Districts or charter schools must combine fractional units to fund additional full-time mental health services staff to the extent possible.
Districts and charter schools may exercise a cash option consistent with the provisions of § 1716(g) of this title for any remaining fractional funding.
Funds received under this provision must be used for the purchase of materials or services to be used in support of preventative and responsive mental health services herein authorized, and for no other purpose.
(f) (1) To the extent possible, school districts should prioritize the hiring and placement of staff hired pursuant to this section in schools with the highest percentage of low-income students, English learners, and students with disabilities.
(2) In filling positions supported by this section, the hiring and placement of school counselors who provide mental health services shall be prioritized over those who provide career counseling.
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04/25/2023 12:10 PM (g) (1) The Department shall provide a report to the Office of Management and Budget and to the Controller General detailing the number of positions filled by position type and number of school psychology or other mental health provider positions contracted for under this program at each eligible local education agency by December 30 of each year.
(2) Each district and charter school shall provide to the Department the number of positions filled by position type at each school and the number of school psychology or other mental health provider positions contracted for under this program by November 30 of each year.
(h) The Department of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement and enforce this section.
Section 2.
Amend Chapter 34, Subchapter IV, Title 14 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:
Subchapter IV.
Educator and School-Based Mental Health Practitioners Support Programs § 3436A.
Mental health critical need reimbursement program.
(a) It is the purpose of this program to encourage school-based employees to become licensed mental health providers and remain school employees.
(b) To be eligible for this program, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
(1) Be a full-time employee of a Delaware public school district or a charter school.
(2) Enrolled in a credit-bearing program intended to lead to certification or licensure appropriate for a full- time mental health services provider as required by the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals.
(c) An eligible institution of higher education is an in-state or out-of-state regionally accredited college or university.
(d) (1) Reimbursement will be provided to eligible institutions for up to 6 credits of approved coursework that meets Department of Education requirements.
(2) Reimbursement funds shall be distributed to the institution of higher education upon course completion with a 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for credit bearing courses or an equivalent passing grade in a noncredit-bearing course.
Eligible institutions must verify enrollment and course grades prior to disbursement of funds.
(3) Funding may not exceed the cost of tuition and fees or the equivalent at the highest cost public institution in Delaware.
If funding exceeds the appropriation, eligible institutions of higher education will be awarded funds in a prorated share of the applicant pool.
(4) The Department may set aside funds as available for school employees meeting these criteria as demand requires.
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04/25/2023 12:10 PM SYNOPSIS This Act establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware high schools.
The unit is phased in over 3 years, beginning in FY2024, to arrive at a final ratio of 250 full-time equivalent students grades 9-12 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 9-12 for employment of a full-time school psychologist.
This Act defines “mental health services” as prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in high 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.
This bill will lower ratios of students to counselors and increase access to mental health services for high school students.
Districts and charters should prioritize the hiring of school counselors who provide mental health services over those who provide career counseling.
Conforming changes are also made to code sections dealing with mental health units for elementary and middle school students.
This Act also creates a reimbursement program to encourage current school employees to gain certifications or professional licensure in critical need mental health areas.
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04/25/2023 12:10 PM 0281520009
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Action History

  1. Signed by Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Finance) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits

  4. Assigned to Finance Committee in Senate

  5. Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 5 On Its Merits

  6. Assigned to Education Committee in Senate

  7. Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 2 ABSENT

  8. Amendment HA 1 to HB 200 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

  9. Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 6 On Its Merits

  10. Amendment HA 1 to HB 200 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

  11. Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House

  12. Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 7 Favorable, 6 On Its Merits

  13. Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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21 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 41 not signed on

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (41)

41 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 41 →

"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.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

SM

Passed 21 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democratic 13000
Republican 6000
Unaffiliated 2000
Total 21000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (21)
Member Party Vote
Kyle Evans Gay — Yea
Sarah McBride — Yea
Bryan Townsend Democratic Yea
Darius J. Brown Democratic Yea
David P. Sokola Democratic Yea
John "Jack" Walsh Democratic Yea
Kyra L. Hoffner Democratic Yea
Laura V. Sturgeon Democratic Yea
Marie Pinkney Democratic Yea
Nicole Poore Democratic Yea
Russell Huxtable Democratic Yea
S. Elizabeth Lockman Democratic Yea
Spiros Mantzavinos Democratic Yea
Stephanie L. Hansen Democratic Yea
Trey Paradee Democratic Yea
Brian Pettyjohn Republican Yea
Bryant L. Richardson Republican Yea
Dave G. Lawson Republican Yea
David L. Wilson Republican Yea
Eric Buckson Republican Yea
Gerald W. Hocker Republican Yea

Official roll call →

SM

Passed 39 Yea · 0 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 6001
Democratic 20000
Republican 13001
Total 39002
% of votes cast 95%0%0%5%
How each member voted (41)
Member Party Vote
Michael Ramone — Yea
Paul S. Baumbach — Yea
Peter C. Schwartzkopf — Yea
Sean Matthews — Not Voting
Sherry Dorsey Walker — Yea
Stell Parker Selby — Yea
Valerie Longhurst — Yea
Cyndie Romer Democratic Yea
DeShanna U Neal Democratic Yea
Debra Heffernan Democratic Yea
Edward S. Osienski Democratic Yea
Eric Morrison Democratic Yea
Franklin D. Cooke Democratic Yea
Kendra Johnson Democratic Yea
Kerri Evelyn Harris Democratic Yea
Kimberly Williams Democratic Yea
Krista Griffith Democratic Yea
Larry Lambert Democratic Yea
Madinah Wilson-Anton Democratic Yea
Melissa Minor-Brown Democratic Yea
Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha Democratic Yea
Sean M. Lynn Democratic Yea
Sherae'a Moore Democratic Yea
Sophie Phillips Democratic Yea
Stephanie T. Bolden Democratic Yea
William Bush Democratic Yea
William J. Carson Democratic Yea
Bryan W. Shupe Republican Not Voting
Charles S Postles Jr. Republican Yea
Daniel B. Short Republican Yea
Jeff Hilovsky Republican Yea
Jeffrey N. Spiegelman Republican Yea
Jesse R. Vanderwende Republican Yea
Kevin S Hensley Republican Yea
Lyndon D. Yearick Republican Yea
Michael F. Smith Republican Yea
Richard G. Collins Republican Yea
Ronald E. Gray Republican Yea
Shannon Morris Republican Yea
Timothy D. Dukes Republican Yea
Valerie Jones Giltner Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does HB 200 do?
This Act establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware high schools. The unit is phased in over 3 years, beginning in FY2024, to arrive at a final ratio of 250 full-time equivalent students grades 9-12 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 9-12 for employment of a full-time school psychologist. This Act defines “mental health services” as prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in high 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. This bill will lower ratios of students to counselors and increase access to mental health services for high school students. Districts and charters should prioritize the hiring of school counselors who provide mental health services over those who provide career counseling. Conforming changes are also made to code sections dealing with mental health units for elementary and middle school students. This Act also creates a reimbursement program to encourage current school employees to gain certifications or professional licensure in critical need mental health areas.
Who sponsors HB 200?
HB 200 is sponsored by Stell Parker Selby, Kendra Johnson (Democratic), Nicole Poore (Democratic), Timothy D. Dukes (Republican), Edward S. Osienski (Democratic), Eric Morrison (Democratic), David P. Sokola (Democratic), Spiros Mantzavinos (Democratic), Laura V. Sturgeon (Democratic), John "Jack" Walsh (Democratic), Marie Pinkney (Democratic), William Bush (Democratic), Cyndie Romer (Democratic), Michael F. Smith (Republican), Trey Paradee (Democratic), Russell Huxtable (Democratic), Valerie Longhurst, Sherry Dorsey Walker, Sarah McBride, Sean Matthews, and Peter C. Schwartzkopf.
What is the current status of HB 200?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced April 25, 2023. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 200?
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